The father of a NSW paramedic who was killed on the job is fighting for new laws to be introduced in a bid to protect frontline workers and keep his son’s legacy alive.
Steven Tougher, 29, was stabbed to death outside of a Sydney McDonald’s while he was on a shift break in April 2023.
His father, Jeff Tougher, is working to get his proposed “Steven’s Law” through state parliament in a move to protect emergency frontline workers.
“It was a prime opportunity to take this on and make this my purpose, ideally so my son was never forgotten,” Tougher said.
“If I can make a difference with the law, get the law changed and make Steven’s law part of the vernacular… that’s my job done.
“My son’s name will be synonymous with protecting frontline workers, and it won’t be a waste… otherwise, it will be a waste.”
The law would see a minimum 12-month jail term for people who assault frontline workers and also supports body-worn cameras and stabproof vests.
However, the sentence would be suspended if the offender agrees to attend a rehabilitation program.
”I’m not looking to send people to prison, I’m looking for a deterrent,” Tougher said.
“I want them to take responsibility for their actions, and ideally I want them to think about it in the first place.”
The law has received support from the state government already, with Premier Chris Minns meeting with Tougher.
Tougher has also sold over 4000 bumper stickers in support of the law.
