Greater protection for frontline staff

A bill that will ensure greater protection for frontline staff when they are responding to dangerous situations became law this week.

Any offending against law enforcement or emergency service officers will now be an aggravating factor during sentencing. Previously, there was no requirement for judges to take first responder status into account.

Our police, prison officers, ambulance staff, paramedics, doctors, nurses, and firefighters are our first line of defence. They put their own lives at risk every day to save and protect their fellow New Zealanders.

This new law sends a clear message that National is committed to protecting frontline staff, and that offences against them will not be tolerated.

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