Published February 2025
The Opposition has again led the charge when it comes to law and order in South Australia – announcing tough, new legislation that will crack down on people who attack or seriously injure police officers on duty.
Expected to be introduced into the Parliament today, the legislation will:
The much-needed legislative reform follows a nearly 40 per cent rise in assaults on police under the Malinauskas Labor Government and a recent court decision which saw an offender who violently attacked a pregnant police officer walk away with a suspended sentence.
Shadow Minister for Police and Community Safety, Jack Batty, who will introduce the legislation, said the new laws were needed to better protect police officers.
“Enough is enough. Our police officers should not have to tolerate violent assaults as part of their job,” Mr Batty said.
“Recently, we’ve seen examples of police officers being scalped on the street, attacked with swords and run over with cars which is disgusting and completely unacceptable.
“No one should be able to assault a police officer and get away with it.
“Assaults on police are skyrocketing, yet the Government hasn’t taken any action – prompting us to take matters into our own hands today.
“These new laws send a very clear message to any coward thinking of harming our police. If you assault a police officer, you will go to jail.
“We are taking action to make sure that sentences for these despicable crimes are more in line with community expectations. Our police put their lives on the line to keep us safe, they should never be treated as punching bags.”
Media Contact: Gretel Mead 0449 500 844
