Statement from the Shadow Attorney-General

Statement from the Shadow Attorney-General 

James Newbury, Shadow Attorney-General

Tuesday 16 June 2026

Every single Labor Member of Parliament in the lower house has today voted against new laws to better protect police, paramedics, CFA volunteers and firefighters.

New laws introduced to Parliament today by the Victorian Liberals and Nationals would’ve closed a loophole that has left emergency services workers inadequately protected due to the current legal definition of “on-duty”.

Despite the clear need for these new laws, Labor has voted them down and left emergency services workers exposed.

Furthermore, the Minister for Police described emergency services workers protesting against the Allan Labor Government as the “same old whingers”.

Only the Liberals and Nationals will close this loophole and provide emergency services workers the legal protections they deserve.