Hospital workers on the frontline in Mackay have experienced a major rise in assaults from the very people they’re trying to help.
LNP Shadow Health Minister Ros Bates said in Mackay today that assaults on doctors, nurses and paramedics had increased by 90 per cent since Annastacia Palaszczuk became Premier.
“Assaults against our health workers are out of control under the Palaszczuk Labor Government,” Ms Bates said.
“We’ve seen a massive spike in cases in recent years and nothing has been done about it.
“These are the same workers that go to work every day to save lives and help people recover from sickness or injury and they deserve much better.
“As a nurse who has worked in emergency departments, I’ve seen how workers are treated like punching bags and it’s not good enough.
“We need to send a strong message to people who think it’s acceptable to assault staff with strong punishments and no more slaps on the wrist.
“The LNP doubled the maximum penalty for assaults on health workers from seven to fourteen years jail when we were last in government.
“If stronger penalties are needed we will take a close look at it.”
LNP Candidate for Mackay Chris Bonanno said it’s clear more needs to be done to protect our frontline health workers, nurses, paramedics, midwives and doctors.
“These men and women deserve to come from each shift unscathed,” Mr Bonanno said.
“A 90 per cent rise in assaults on staff in Mackay under Labor is completely unacceptable and something Labor has ignored.
“The LNP won’t hesitate to take tougher action to protect our frontline health workers.”
https://www.parliament.qld.gov.au/documents/tableOffice/questionsAnswers/2019/1733-2019.pdf