I have to condemn this measure. I find it divisive and unfair, the government has a duty to keep the peace and protect all the people from unprovoked assults. I agree that it is disgraceful to assult an emergency service worker in the course of their duty, but it's just as disgraceful to assult a private individual going about their private business. Also from a punishment point of view, if stronger and tougher sentences don't work (as the Gaurdian would usually claim) surely community service, or a fine, or an offender behaviour course is more appropriate for these misguided individuals. So to be consistent the Gaurdian should be condeming this measure. If on the other hand, like me, you believe stronger and tougher sentences do work then you cannot welcome this, without condeming the fact that the protection (from deviant criminal evil doers) of the law is not being extended to all, but only to a class of state employees. If this measure works this protection should be availiable for all. If this measure does not work it should never have been enacted.