Queensland is looking at tougher penalties for people who ram emergency services vehicles. 

The state is set to introduce legislation that could imprison offenders for up to 14 years for deliberately ramming ambulances, police cars, fire trucks or other emergency service vehicles. 

The initiative follows growing concern over incidents where emergency services are targeted, posing a severe risk to community safety.

The proposed legislation, expected to be introduced in the state parliament within days, aims to make ramming emergency service vehicles a standalone criminal offence. 

It follows a concerning trend in Queensland, with approximately 60 ramming incidents involving police reported so far this year. 

The repercussions of these incidents have been severe, with two officers hospitalised and several others requiring medical treatment.

Police Minister Mark Ryan has expressed his dismay over these incidents, emphasising the need for strong legal actions. 

“We've seen, in recent times, a deliberate ... outrageous and disgusting targeting of our police and emergency services by criminals,” Ryan says. 

“We want to send a strong message to those criminals that if you're going to target our police and emergency service personnel, then you should expect severe consequences and you will go to jail.”

Supporting the legislation, Queensland Police Commissioner Steve Gollschewski and Assistant Commissioner Matthew Vanderbyl have noted the operational setbacks caused by such crimes, including the loss of essential police vehicles needed for community service.

The Queensland Police Union has welcomed the proposed changes.

But the legislation faces criticism from youth advocacy groups, who argue that such measures might not effectively deter young offenders. 

“Young people aren't deterred by longer jail sentences, that's just a fact,” says Katherine Hayes, chief executive of the Youth Advocacy Centre.

She has described the laws as “political” and suggested that they do not address the root causes of youth crime, such as drug use, violent backgrounds, and mental health issues.

This legislation is part of a larger community safety plan by the Queensland government, which includes increased penalties for other dangerous driving offences leading to death or grievous bodily harm.