‘An absolute let-down’: Paramedics furious over assault law loophole
Sydney Morning Herald
by Grant McArthurFebruary 26, 2026
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A man who seriously injured a paramedic by kicking her during an on-duty attack will not face a mandatory jail term under Victorian law due to a legal loophole. The charge of assaulting an emergency worker was dropped because the paramedic, Kathryn McCormack, was not actively treating a patient at the time of the assault. This decision has sparked outrage and calls for a review of laws designed to protect first responders.
The incident occurred in September 2023 when McCormack and her colleague were walking down Main Street in Mornington after starting their shift. They intervened in a dispute, but the man allegedly attacked them, kicking McCormack in the stomach and causing serious injuries that require surgery. While other charges remain, including those related to police assault, the key charge of assaulting an emergency worker was withdrawn due to the technicality that McCormack wasn’t treating a patient at the time.
The legal loophole highlights a flaw in Victoria’s 2014 laws, which introduced mandatory minimum six-month sentences for assaulting emergency workers. Despite these tough penalties, cases have shown gaps in enforcement. In 2018, the government strengthened the laws by removing options for community corrections orders, but this recent case reveals ongoing issues with how the legislation is applied.
McCormack expressed deep disappointment over the legal decision, feeling let down by the system meant to protect emergency workers. The Victorian Ambulance Union has demanded an urgent review of the Sentencing Act, arguing that the current laws fail to cover situations where paramedics are attacked while performing their duties outside direct patient care, such as during shifts or restocking supplies.
This case raises critical questions about public safety and the protection of emergency responders. As first responders continue to face risks in their work, ensuring that laws adequately safeguard them is essential for maintaining trust in emergency services and upholding public safety standards.
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Originally published on Sydney Morning Herald on 2/26/2026