Stop violence against health workers

MEMBER for Noosa Glen Elmes has welcomed the government’s confronting new campaign designed to stop violent attacks on paramedics and health workers in Queensland.
Mr Elmes said an awareness campaign was important so the public can see just how vital paramedics and ambulance workers were within the community.
“It is not acceptable for people to threaten the safety of our frontline paramedics and ambulance officers,” he said.
“Our local ambos work tirelessly to ensure the people of the Noosa Electorate are protected and well looked after.
“These men and women are out there risking their own safety to save the lives of others, and we should ensure they are protected.”
Minister for Health and Ambulance Services Cameron Dick launched the new
$1.35 million public awareness campaign at the end of March.
“When most Queenslanders go to work, they don’t have to factor in being assaulted as part of their day,” he said.
“Sadly, being punched, bitten, slapped, kicked, and even spat on is a reality for healthcare workers.”
Mr Dick said more than 3300 healthcare workers were physically assaulted last financial year.
“Let’s be honest, it’s just not on,” he said.
“Any person found guilty of assaulting a healthcare worker can receive up to 14 years in prison.”
The LNP, who launched and sponsored a community petition calling for the public awareness campaign in December last year, is also calling for a trial of body cameras for paramedics and the expansion of Ambulance Violence Taskforce to all health workers.
Mr Elmes said he welcomed the public awareness campaign after months of pressuring the opposition to take action.
“Noosa’s health workers deserve to have the government exploring every avenue to ensure they can work in a safe environment.”
Mr Dick said he was aware the new campaign was not the sole solution to the issue.
“This is not a quick fix,” he said. “It is however, a step in the right direction as we try to change people’s attitudes towards what is acceptable behaviour and what is not.”
The campaign started this month and includes a mix of advertising on social and digital media, television and out-of-home advertisements on billboards and bus stops.
Mr Dick said the public awareness campaign was a recommendation from the interim report by the Paramedic Safety Taskforce and admitted most Queenslanders might find the campaign content confronting.
“The ads are full-on but in reality, it can get a lot worse,” he said.
“There is absolutely no excuse for anyone to abuse or physically assault a healthcare worker.
“As a community, we have an essential role to play in keeping our healthcare workers safe.
“Our healthcare workers deserve our respect and gratitude for the important work they do.”
The campaign can be viewed at www.youtube.com/healthierqueensland.