United Voice

Alcohol fuelled violence continues to see paramedics put at risk across Queensland. Assaults have increased in excess of 50% since 2002, becoming increasingly violent with perpetrators resorting to the use of weapons in some cases.

It is a sad indictment that in 2008 – 2009, 107 assaults were reported against paramedics whom for six years in a row have been identified as societies most trusted professionals.

In 2008 the LHMU successfully lobbied government to change legislation to define assaults against paramedics as a serious assault. This provided the judiciary with the ability to impose custodial sentences for all assaults against paramedics.

Unfortunately the strengthening of legislation has proved no deterrent to assaults with attacks on paramedics continuing to increase.

Alcohol has played a significant contributing factor in more than

90% of assault cases examined by LHMU.

The Government has directed the Law, Justice and Safety Committee conduct an inquiry into alcohol-related violence in Queensland. 

Given the nature of this inquiry, it is extremely important all ambulance professionals voice their concerns in these proceedings. LHMU has launched an on-line survey available via the ambulance section website at www.aeaq.org.au All ambulance professionals are strongly encouraged to complete this survey.

The survey seeks to obtain information pertaining to assaults against ambulance professionals that will assist LHMU in informing the committee during its considerations.

The LHMU and the Queensland Police Union (QPU) have been in discussions about the issues members of both unions are facing, due to the intoxication levels of members of the public and the increase in assaults being reported.

To this end, the QPU requested LHMU’s attendance at their recent press conference to launch their submission to the enquiry.

Although the QPU’s submission calls for nightclubs to close at 2am and a midnight curfew for suburban hotels, LHMU believes the issue requires further action by venue operators.

The position of the LHMU is that government should stop talking about the issues related to emergency services personnel being assaulted and actually address the reasons behind the assaults initially.

Ultimately if the Committee identifies the shortening of operating hours as the only solution then this may have to be enforced however, LHMU believes operators need to take greater care in the responsible service of alcohol and cease service to intoxicated patrons.

LHMU represent both hospitality and security workers in these venues and need to act in the best interests of these workers. Their safety has always been and continues to be a priority.