Retailers Support Tougher Penalties Against Assaulting Victorian Workers

The state government intends to introduce a draft legislation to Parliament by the end of 2025.

Shoppers walk down the Royal Arcade in central Melbourne, Australia, on Oct. 27, 2023. Susan Mortimer/The Epoch Times

The National Retail Association (NRA) announced its support for the Allan government’s plan to implement tough new penalties for people who assault retail workers in the state.

This statement comes after Premier Jacinta Allan said they are seeking to strengthen the laws protecting retail, hospitality, and other customer-facing workers from violence.

According to the Allan government, it will create a Worker Protection Consultation Group to develop the proper legislative approach to craft legislation that will be introduced to Parliament by the end of 2025. This will include potential new penalties or offences and expanding or strengthening existing offences to protect vulnerable workers.

The proposed bill from the consultation group also aims to complement policies that strengthen the state’s anti-vilification laws.

The NRA said it is looking forward to working with the Victorian government to craft legislation to keep retailers safe.

“Retail faces a range of challenges, but few are as important as addressing the escalation of assaults on retail workers,” said David Stout, NRA Director of Policy. “Retailers welcome all customers who have intentions to shop, however there is no excuse for abuse, violence or harassment.”

“Abusive shoppers need to understand that their anti-social behaviour is not just rude but also against the law.”

Internal data from the NRA in 2018 showed that 85 percent of retailers experience verbal abuse while trying to prevent theft. Same data also shows that 41 percent of retailers also experience physical abuse from perpetrators while trying to prevent theft.

Additional data from the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), cited by the Allan government, show that 87 percent of retailers experienced abuse from customers last year nationwide.

The figures have prompted employee unions and employers to raise concerns on the situation.

Retail Crime Rises Amid Cost-of-Living Pressures

Moreover, latest data from the Crime Statistics Agency show that retail theft increased to 38.7 percent in the state, brought by increasing inflation rates and cost of living pressures in the state.

According to the February statement from the Liberal Party of Victoria, skyrocketing inflationary pressures and higher cost of living are due to reckless spending brought by the Allan government, leading to higher taxes in the state.

Ms. Allan said that the new laws will send a powerful message against perpetrators of physical violence among retailers in Victoria.

“These workers deserve nothing but our respect. And we’re going to help make sure they get it,” she said.

Attorney General Jaclyn Symes expressed disappointment by the number of assault cases against workers in the state.

“It’s disappointing that we have to legislate against this—but clearly too many people think it’s ok to intimidate and harass customer service workers. People must be safe at work from abuse—we’ll do everything we can to ensure this,” Ms. Symes said.

Meanwhile, Mr. Stout said the NRA looked forward to working with the government to ensure the effectiveness of the laws.

The National Retail Association is a non-profit organisation that represents the interests of all retailers and more than 60,000 stores in Australia.