People convicted of assaulting NSW frontline emergency services workers could face up to 14 years in jail.
The new offence of assaulting frontline workers will expand the penalties that already apply for assaulting police and other law enforcement officers.
Premier Dominic Perrottet says the government supports all of the recommendations in the NSW Sentencing Council's report, Assaults on Emergency Services Workers.
But the government will go further than the report's recommendations to ensure firefighters from the NSW Rural Fire Service, Fire and Rescue NSW and NSW National Parks and Wildlife Service, and NSW SES frontline workers are also protected.
"We are committed to increasing protections for our emergency services workers and ensuring that sentencing for assaults and other actions against these workers is appropriate," Mr Perrottet said on Monday.
"They keep us safe and we will do whatever we can to keep them safe too."
Health Minister Brad Hazzard said the new offences will help protect paramedics and hospital staff.
"No one deserves to be assaulted, whatever the circumstances, but anyone who commits a violent attack on health professionals trying to care for them is committing an appalling crime," he said.
Attorney-General Mark Speakman said the state's frontline emergency workers had dealt with difficult challenges during the past two years.
"Our frontline health workers, emergency services staff, and correctional and youth justice officers often face risks as they bravely serve our community," he said.
"Those who perpetrate disgraceful acts of violence on these dedicated individuals should face stringent consequences."
The government will introduce legislation later this year, with the maximum penalty for anyone convicted of wounding or causing grievous bodily harm to a frontline health worker facing up to 14 years in jail.
