Canberra Liberals demand action on violence against health workers

The Canberra Liberals are calling on the ACT Labor Government to urgently confront the growing crisis of occupational violence in Canberra’s public hospitals, following repeated reports of assaults, unsafe workplaces, and failures to protect frontline staff.

Shadow Minister for Health and Canberra Liberals Leader, Mark Parton said healthcare workers should never be expected to accept violence as part of their job.

“Frontline workers are being assaulted, threatened and placed in unsafe situations, yet the ACT Labor Government continues to downplay the seriousness of the problem,” Mr Parton said.

“The Canberra Liberals are calling for transparency, accountability and immediate action to improve safety for health workers across the ACT.”

Mr Parton said the Canberra Liberals are calling for the public release of deidentified quarterly data on occupational violence incidents, a review of legal protections for frontline workers, and stronger workplace safety measures across ACT hospitals.

The Canberra Liberals are also calling on the ACT Government to strengthen legal protections for healthcare workers by examining tougher penalties for assaults on frontline staff, consistent with reforms introduced in New South Wales.

“Our nurses, doctors, paramedics and frontline healthcare workers dedicate their lives to caring for our community. They deserve safe workplaces and a Government prepared to stand up for them,” Mr Parton said.

The Canberra Liberals are standing up for the people who care for Canberra.