Following on from our story earlier this year attacks on, or threats against, federal frontline workers, such as those employed by Centrelink and the ATO, will attract longer jail penalties after Albanese Government legislation passed Parliament last week.
The passage of the Criminal Code Amendment (Protecting Commonwealth Frontline Workers) Bill followed a Senate inquiry that recommended its passage without amendment.
The law now places frontline workers on the same level as judicial and law enforcement officers, with higher penalties for aggravated offenses.
The definition of ‘Commonwealth frontline worker’ includes public officials who interact directly with the public as a primary job function, covering roles at Centrelink, ATO, airports, and the Australian Electoral Commission.
The maximum penalty for harming a frontline worker rises from 10 to 13 years in prison, and for threatening serious harm from 7 to 9 years in prison.
In our view prevention is always better than the dealing with the aftermath of an incident. These reforms should be accompanied by a review of controls such as the systems of work and staffing levels.
For information on preventing and responding to occupational violence visit our webpage.