The family of a newlywed paramedic who was fatally stabbed outside a Sydney fast-food restaurant has paid tribute and laid flowers at the scene of the alleged murder.
Steven Tougher, 29, was allegedly stabbed to death while on a break with his NSW Ambulance colleagues outside a Campbelltown McDonald's restaurant last Friday morning.
Jordan Fineanganofo, 21, has been charged with the murder, and is in police custody, awaiting his next court date.
Steven's father, Jeff Tougher, and his family addressed the media to advocate for "Steven's Law".
Mr Tougher and his family are calling for stronger laws to protect emergency service workers, including mandatory prison sentences for paramedic assaults.
"We need to change the laws to protect those [who] put themselves out to make the community a better place," he said.
"These laws should reflect the community concern to prevent these things in the future, and to give those workers the confidence to go to work, knowing they will be protected."
Mr Tougher said he has been speaking with the newly elected Labor government to address these issues.
"I'm asking for these laws to protect the community, so they don't have to look over their shoulder while they are performing CPR on an unconscious baby," he said.
"If you are appalled by what has happened to my son, then use that energy to support me on this quest for a safer workplace for all service workers.
"I hope that the loss of Steven will not be for nothing, and this senseless act can be a catalyst for change."
The family arrived at Campbelltown together, by bus, and supported each other as they laid flowers at the scene.
Steven's wife, Madison — who he married just five weeks before his death — is due to have her second child shortly, according to a fundraising page set up in her husband's honour.
The fundraising campaign has already collected more than $400,000.
Steven had only been working as a paramedic for the past 12 months.
Griffith University academic Malcolm Boyle — who served as a registered paramedic for more than three decades — said he had noticed a rise in general hostility towards paramedics over the past decade or so.
He said it was spurred, in part, by longer ambulance response times.
"I think the sentencing needs to be there as a potential deterrent for people, who are just agitated because the ambulance is taking time," he said.
"The judicial system needs to hand down these tougher sentences, to make people think twice."
