Statement – Protection of our Emergency Service workers

Member for Morwell Russell Northe said that yesterday’s decision in the County Court that saw two persons successfully appeal their sentence for seriously assaulting a Victorian paramedic has caused uproar in the community.
The appeal was successful despite the fact that a mandatory prison sentence of 6 months was supposed to apply.
To think that paramedic Paul Judd was so seriously injured that he has been unable to work for two years and that his attackers have not been jailed is difficult to fathom.
I have been contacted by a number of members of the public who are extremely upset at the leniency applied in this case.
To have any paramedic or emergency service worker attacked whilst trying to assist persons in need is simply a despicable and disgusting act.
Our local emergency service personnel do an amazing job and we must do all we can in our power to support them.
My mother recently required assistance from our local paramedics and their medical assistance and care for her was outstanding.
Mr Northe called upon the State Government do to all in their power to rectify this specific case and make sure that legislation is strengthened to make sure appropriate penalties apply to serious incidents such as Mr Judds.