The Liberal-National Government will protect police and other public officers by giving people who seriously injure them minimum mandatory jail sentences.
Premier Colin Barnett said the passing of mandatory sentencing legislation fulfillled a major State Government election commitment.
"The Liberal-National Government was given a clear mandate by the community to provide this legislation to protect our police officers," Mr Barnett said.
"The Government is helping protect our police and thereby enabling them to better protect our community.
"There is a need for a cultural shift in the manner that some members of the public behave towards police officers.
"These laws send a very simple and clear message. If you cause bodily harm to a police officer in this State, you will go to jail.
"When police officers enter into a dangerous situation in the course of their duty, they should be assured the laws of this State protect their personal safety and that there are serious consequences for people who physically assault and harm them.
"It was unfortunate that the introduction of these laws was delayed by the Opposition which spoke against this legislation at every stage and sought to move amendments which would have watered down the laws by removing the mandatory component.
"The Government refused to accept these amendments and we are satisfied the legislation now passed addresses both community and law enforcement concerns.
"I congratulate Police Minister Rob Johnson and Attorney General Christian Porter for their hard work on this legislation."
The new mandatory sentencing laws, that will apply from next month, will protect public officers whose role requires them to enforce the law or enter into dangerous situations with limited protection and support.
The Premier said the mandatory sentencing legislation was the latest in a series of initiatives by the Liberal-National Government that supported police and aimed to improve community safety. Other instances of support include:
· passed laws to cover medical expenses for police officers who leave the job suffering from an injury incurred while carrying out their duties
· fixed the previous Labor government's botched truth in sentencing laws which gave criminals a one-third discount on their sentence
· given police a pay rise
· set up a $13.5million fighting fund (funded via proceeds of crime) to help police combat bikie gangs and organised crime
· working towards providing an additional 500 police officers and 200 support staff
· reinstated the graffiti taskforce
· introduced tougher anti-hoon legislation.
Premier's office - 9222 9475
