Advisory Council extends deadline for preliminary feedback
Media release
Monday, 13 January 2020
The Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council is extending its deadline for preliminary feedback concerning its review of the penalties for assaults on police and other frontline emergency service workers, corrective service officers and other public officers.
The deadline for written feedback for the Terms of Reference has been changed from 5pm Friday, 10 January 2020, to 5pm Tuesday, 28 January 2020.
Council Chair, John Robertson, said the extension of the deadline recognised that many people and organisations that would like to provide input may have been on holidays during December and over the festive season.
“It’s important that we receive a broad range of preliminary feedback to assist in identifying key issues to be explored in responding to the reference and to help inform the approach to the project while establishing questions for further discussion,” Mr Robertson said.
“We have already received some thought provoking and interesting feedback, but we would like to make sure everyone who would like to respond to our call for input has the chance to do so, which is why we have extended the deadline to 28 January.”
The Council was asked last month, December 2019, by the Attorney-General and Minister for Justice, the Honourable Yvette D’Ath MP, for its advice on penalties for assaults on police and other frontline emergency service workers, corrective service officers and other public officers last month.
The Terms of Reference recognises that assaults on police and other frontline emergency service workers such as paramedics and hospital emergency department staff, corrective service officers and other public officers, continue to raise concern for the safe working environment of these officers as well as the adequacy of penalties imposed on offenders convicted of these offences.
Mr Robertson said the consultation is an opportunity for community members and stakeholders such as the Queensland Police Service, Queensland Ambulance Service, Queensland Corrective Services, Queensland Health, Queensland Fire and Emergency Services, the judiciary, legal profession, employee unions and others, to share their views on what important issues the Council should explore.
The Council will report back on the Terms of Reference to the Attorney-General by 30 June 2020.
Preliminary written feedback is encouraged by close of business, Tuesday 28 January 2020, and can be emailed to the Council at submissions@sentencingcouncil.qld.gov.au or posted to:
Queensland Sentencing Advisory Council
GPO Box 2360
Brisbane QLD 4001
Media inquiries
Jane Coates
Media and Engagement Manager
0459 887 077 / (07) 3738 9498