The Northern Territory Government has announced it expects amendments to existing assault legislation to better protect people at work will pass Parliament in the next sitting in February.

 

Territory Attorney-General, John Elferink, said that recent assaults on people while at work have ‘reinforced the need’ for changes to the law.

 

The Criminal Code Amendment (assaults on Workers) Bill 2012 was introduced before Parliament late last year, and will implement changes to assault legislation that will see any assault on a person carrying out work or volunteer duties carry a minimum sentence of three months imprisonment and maximum of seven years.  

 

“These changes will send a clear message that if you take your anger or frustration out on people while they are at work and you hurt them, you will face gaol time,” Mr Elferink said.