The Allan government will table new laws in Victoria's parliament on Friday aimed at protecting retail, hospitality, fast food, and transport workers from assault and threats. Under the proposed legislation, assaulting or threatening to assault a worker in these sectors could result in a five-year jail term, while verbal threats and intimidation carry a penalty of up to six months in prison.
The laws apply to front-of-house and back-of-house staff, as well as delivery and rideshare drivers. The government aims to have the laws in effect by the end of the year, with Premier Jacinta Allan stating the measures are a response to victims of crime who reported insufficient consequences for violent offending.
The bill is part of a broader crackdown on crime in Victoria, following earlier announcements this week targeting violence at protests and youth crime. Statistics show assaults at supermarkets have more than doubled from 262 incidents in 2016 to 664 last year. The legislation also reclassifies ram raids as aggravated burglary, carrying a maximum 25-year sentence.
Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association Victorian branch secretary Michael Donovan welcomed the protections, noting they were long overdue for members who have faced abuse and harassment. The government plans to introduce Workplace Protection Orders—similar to personal safety orders but for entire workplaces—next year.
Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider praised the announcement, highlighting the importance of Workplace Protection Orders in addressing the rise in retail crime. The retailer has already introduced body-worn cameras for staff and tactical guards in response to safety concerns.
