Editorial: Frontline workers sacrifice so much, the least we can do is respect them

The latest figures on assaults against frontline workers such as paramedics and police officers is nothing short of deplorable.

Darwin Ambo's have had enough of assaults at work. Picture: GLENN CAMPBELL

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The latest figures on assaults against frontline workers such as paramedics and police officers is nothing short of deplorable.

These are the people who put their lives on the line everyday for our protection.

They are the people who work 12-hours in a row with shifts at all hours of the day and night.

They are the people who go to work when everyone else has a holiday or a weekend - like this long weekend for example.

Our frontline workers give us so much - the very least we can give them is the respect not to attack them when they are just trying to do their jobs.

We already know that there are critical resource shortages both for St John and for Police in the Northern Territory.

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Our paramedics and police are already stretched incredibly thin and frontline workers leave the NT in droves following offers from down south.

We do not need another reason for our talented, dedicated and essential frontline workers to leave the Territory where they are so desparately needed.

Although I’m sure it can sometimes be frustrating and confusing when you are confronted by a frontline worker, that is not excuse to become violent.

Before lashing out, try to remain calm and imagine where they are coming from.

In the end, they are just trying to help.

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