High price of serving the public

NO- ONE goes to work to be assaulted but sadly it’s a reality for many of our city’s emergency workers.

Police, paramedics, firefighters and hospital staff all try to help keep our community safe. Too often they are repaid with violence.

Figures show an increase in the number of assaults on police officers. They get punched, kicked and attacked with weapons. Even being spat on is a serious offence because of the risk of disease.

Taxi drivers and bus drivers are also often in the firing line. They are there to provide a service to the community and for their efforts they’re attacked by people under the influence of alcohol or drugs.

This behaviour is simply unacceptable. Our community relies on being able to access emergency services. People who go into these kinds of professions do so to help the world around them. It’s hardly fair that the exchange is that they get hurt themselves.

City cheers Games baton relay

ON a happier note, Townsville shared the Commonwealth Games excitement yesterday afternoon as the Queen’s Baton Relay passed through the city. The relay continues this morning before heading south to Ayr. Runners were cheered as they went along The Strand yesterday and it was good to see residents supporting them given that Townsville will play an important role by hosting basketball games.

Townsville has an opportunity to put its best foot forward in welcoming visiting athletes and supporters. If we make a good impression we may be able to attract more training camps or entice people to visit North Queensland for a holiday. There’s also a fair selection of events being put on during the Commonwealth Games period that locals can enjoy ... concerts, plays and dance performances. This is a good chance for our city to enjoy some of the perks and make the city come alive with excitement.