Proposed new laws in Queensland are set to bring in severe penalties for offenders who target emergency service vehicles. The legislation, scheduled to be introduced in state parliament, seeks to make the act of ramming emergency vehicles a distinct criminal offense. Offenders who cause deliberate damage to such vehicles could face up to seven years behind bars.
The Queensland state government highlighted the increasing instances of ramming incidents involving police, with about 60 such incidents reported so far this year. The impacts of these incidents have been significant, with two officers requiring hospitalization and eight others needing medical attention following the crashes. Police Minister Mark Ryan emphasized that such reckless behavior poses a serious risk to the entire community and stressed the need for strong consequences.
According to Assistant Commissioner Vanderbyl, vehicles used in these deliberate acts of targeting serve as dangerous projectiles aimed directly at police and emergency service personnel. The proposed legislation, although it may not physically shield frontline workers, aims to hold accountable those who endanger the lives of those dedicated to serving the community. President of the Queensland Police Union, Ian Leavers, expressed support for the proposed laws, emphasizing the importance of ensuring repercussions for those who threaten the safety of emergency responders.