Frontline Workers

The Hon. L.A. HENDERSON (15:16): My question is to the Attorney-General in relation to frontline worker abuse. In light of recent reports of abuse towards SAPOL officers, does the minister believe that bail should be available to those who abuse frontline workers?

The Hon. K.J. MAHER (Minister for Aboriginal Affairs, Attorney-General, Minister for Industrial Relations and Public Sector) (15:17): I thank the honourable member for her question. Similar to answers I have answered earlier this week, including today, if there are reforms to laws to make the community safer we are happy to look at those.

Certainly, in relation to frontline workers we have reformed significant laws since we have been in government. I have spoken about retail workers as frontline workers, in particular. The increase in fines for a basic assault has been two years and is now five years, and aggravated—

The Hon. L.A. Henderson interjecting:

The PRESIDENT: Order!

The Hon. K.J. MAHER: —from three years to seven years. As I have mentioned already today, we will be looking to introduce legislation early next year in relation to workplace protection orders to make sure that frontline workers are protected. However, we are always open to ways that we can protect the community.