The New South Wales (NSW) government has issued a serious warning regarding the assault or abuse of retail workers, emphasising that such actions could lead to imprisonment. Recent statistics indicate that over 100 individuals have been charged since the enactment of protective laws for shop staff in 2023. Disturbing footage has emerged, depicting various incidents of violence against retail employees, including workers being shoved, pushed at checkouts, or chased through store aisles.
Bernie Smith, the secretary-treasurer of the Retail Workers Union (SDA), highlighted shocking instances where members have faced being attacked with items such as cans of food and hot beverages. Grant Shelton, a manager at Coles, expressed that it is completely unacceptable for any worker to be subjected to such treatment.
Since the introduction of stricter penalties in June 2023, there have been 136 charges laid, with 64 convictions, and 25 individuals sentenced to jail for offences against retail staff. Sophie Cotsis, the Industrial Relations Minister, reiterated the government’s zero-tolerance stance against intimidation, aggression, or violence towards workers in the retail sector.
A concerning survey revealed that a staggering 88% of retail workers have experienced verbal or physical abuse, with one in ten incidents involving spitting. As a response, the union is advocating for the implementation of workplace protection orders, designed similarly to Apprehended Violence Orders (AVOs), which would prohibit repeat offenders from entering specific retail locations.
Smith detailed how these interim orders would work, banning individuals from particular shops, a group of stores, or even an entire shopping centre. Breaching this ban would result in further legal action and significant penalties. Currently, this model is operational in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), and preliminary studies suggest that banning just 10% of repeat offenders could result in a 60% reduction in violent incidents.
The NSW government is currently in discussions to establish a national approach to this issue but is also contemplating state-specific legislation to enhance the protection of retail workers.