Get tough on thugs who assault police

TWO police officers were assaulted in Townsville at the weekend in what can only be described as deplorable acts.

One officer was repeatedly punched in the face on Flinders St, while another was spat on in the watch- house.

There is no doubt that our police have a tough job to do.

They deal with people who are mentally ill, intoxicated, aggressive or drug- affected, on a daily basis.

Police sign up to protect the community but that doesn’t mean they shouldn’t be able to return home without injury.

They pull on the blue uniform knowing assault is a risk of the job – but that risk is becoming realised far too often.

Their families shouldn’t have to wait anxiously to find out if their loved one has contracted an infectious disease because they were spat on simply while doing their job.

While most people respect our police for the work they do in keeping us safe and solving crime, a minority feel it is acceptable to punch, kick, hit and spit on police officers in the line of duty.

In 2013, the Liberal Party doubled the penalty for serious assaults on police officers from seven to 14 years and introduced a 25year, non- parole period for taking the life of an officer.

Unfortunately, the increased penalties seem to have done little to deter people who think it’s OK to assault police.

It is time to get tough on these thugs and reduce the number of police returning home hurt after their patrols. All have a role in safe roads ANOTHER life has been lost on Townsville’s roads. Mathew Chase died in hospital on Saturday from injuries sustained in a motorbike crash.

As the road toll continues to climb, it’s a timely reminder that all of us have a responsibility to keep our roads safe.

While it may seem innocent enough to push the speed limit or reply to a text message while driving, the consequences can be devastating.

Let’s stick to the road rules. One life lost on our roads is one too many.