Words, By George!

I am a serving paramedic. I fail to understand the decision by Magistrate Pat O’Shane when dismissing charges against a man accused of assaulting a paramedic recently. A paramedic must be able to move freely without further risk to personal safety. The job brings with it, many inherent risks to a paramedic’s well-being, safety and welfare, both physical and psychological. The NSW government recently enacted legislation to protect paramedics and to ensure prompt and effective action against those in society who would assault them. To assault a paramedic wilfully and knowingly now carries the same penalty as assaulting police. Ms O’Shane’s recent decision to aquit the accused beggars belief and only compounds the view – with some – that it is OK to assaultt paramedics. She is mistaken. It is NEVER acceptable behaviour. This is not the first time that this magistrate has been involved in dubious judicial decisions and actions. The magistrate refused to hear corroborating evidence from the paramedic’s own work partner. I will follow the judicial review of her activities and preformance with interest. I am happy to say that this case has brought bipartisan government support to the paramedics involved and also support from executive ambuance mangement. The police are preparing an appeal against the decision of the Court.