Calls for ‘Steven’s law’ for greater protection of paramedics

The horror killing of ambo Steven Tougher while on the job has led to calls for greater protections for paramedics and other frontline workers.

There are calls for laws to be beefed up in order to protect first responders after a young paramedic was stabbed to death while on duty in Sydney’s west.

NSW residents have been outraged over the tragic death of young paramedic Steven Tougher who was killed while on a meal break when a man allegedly pulled open the door to his ambulance and stabbed him several times.

NSW Ambulance officer Steven Tougher. Steven was stabbed to death in the carpark of a McDonald's Campbelltown on the 14th April 2023.

Mr Tougher was only recently married and expecting his second child with wife Madison.

Wreaths of condolence are laid outside McDonald’s restaurant in Queen St, Campbelltown where Paramedic Steven Tougher was killed in the early hours of Friday April 14. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard.

Police arrested Jordan Fineanganofo at the scene outside McDonald’s and he has been charged with murder.

The 21-year-old is currently undergoing a mental health assessment and has not applied for bail.

The new NSW Labor government has been called on to bolster legislation to include harsher penalties for those who attack frontline workers while they are on the job.

NCA NewsWire understands Premier Chris Minns has spoken to the Mr Tougher’s family in the wake of the death amid calls for ‘Steven’s Law’ to be introduced.

NSW Premier Chris Minns and Health Minister Ryan Park have both spoken to members of the Tougher family. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Simon Bullard.

In 2022, the Perrottet government introduced stronger laws to increase the maximum penalty for those convicted of assaulting a frontline worker – such as a paramedic, doctor or firefighter – to 14 years in prison.

The legislation was brought in after a disturbing rise in attacks on emergency workers during the Covid-19 lockdowns.

NSW Health Minister Ryan Park said the Minns government was now looking at ways to better protect paramedics in the wake of Mr Tougher’s death.

“We will certainly be looking at all the raft of those measures. Sentencing, fines, penalties as well as equipment. That will come in the days and weeks ahead,” Mr Park said on the Today Show on Monday morning.

Mr Tougher’s heartbroken family are still coming to terms with his death.

“My priority at the moment is to make sure that family is supported, his colleagues are supported, his colleagues are supported and the broader ambulance family.”

Mr Tougher was newly married and expecting his second child with his wife Madison, who is due to give birth in just weeks.

He had only been working in his dream job as a paramedic for the past 12 months

His heartbroken family – his wife, parents Jillian and Jeff, and sister Jess – has spoken out about the loss of a man who “touched the lives of so many”.

“Steven’s dedication to helping others shone brightest during his work as a NSW Ambulance paramedic and previously as a nurse,” the family said in a statement.

“But it wasn’t just his medical expertise that made him exceptional; Steven’s compassion touched the lives of so many people.

“He had a way of calming fears, offering words of solace, and showing kindness in the midst of chaotic or traumatic events.

“Steven had an uncanny ability to connect with people, to truly understand their needs, and to provide care with genuine warmth and empathy.

“He was always ready with a smile, a kind word, or a lending hand and brought joy to those around him.”

A GoFundMe campaign has already raised more than $405,567 for his young family.