New protections for retail and hospitality workers will be introduced to Victoria’s parliament today as part of the government’s latest efforts to crack down on crime.
Under the proposed laws, assaulting or threatening to assault a worker in hospitality, retail, fast food or transport will carry a penalty of up to five years in jail.
Verbal threats and intimidation will also carry a penalty of up to six months behind bars.
The new laws will apply to both front-of-house and back-of-house staff, as well as delivery and rideshare drivers.
A sign at Woolworths telling customers “police may be notified” if “your behaviour makes anyone feel unsafe”. (ABC News: Shaun Kingma)
It comes as part of a rollout of measures this week announced by the government, designed to tackle a growing crime rate in the state.
Each of the announced legislative reforms has aimed at reducing violent crime in particular.
On Tuesday, new laws aimed at addressing violence at protests were announced, while Wednesday and Thursday’s announcements targeted violent youth crime.
Statistics show that criminal incidents of assault have steadily increased over the past decade when accounting for population.
The number of assaults at supermarkets has more than doubled from 262 incidents in 2016 to 664 incidents last year.
The laws will also amend the classification of ram raids to be included in the aggravated burglary category, carrying a 25 year maximum sentence.
Retailers, union welcome protective laws
The rise in crime and aggressive behaviour has shaken some businesses in Victoria, with some supermarket chains considering closing stores.
Woolworths has opened a new department dedicated to investigating violence in its stores, while Bunnings Warehouse introduced body-worn cameras for staff and tactical guards.
In October, the Australian Retail Council led a joint press conference along with major retailers and supermarkets calling for better protections for workers.
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Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) Victorian Branch secretary Michael Donovan said the protections for workers were long overdue.
“Our members have been subject to torrents of abuse, harassment and intimidation,” Mr Donovan said.
“The government’s legislation has taken longer than we would have liked, but we’re pleased that we’re getting an outcome.”
He said the SDA hoped the changes would take effect before the Christmas shopping period.
The government said the bill would be introduced to parliament on Friday, with aims of having the new laws in effect by the end of the year.
“Everyone knows the difference between a customer from hell and a customer who harms,” Premier Jacinta Allan told ABC News Breakfast on Friday.
“We are doing this from listening to victims of crime,” she said.
“They told us there are not enough consequences and there needs to be consequences for this brazen violent offending, offending that is causing harm.”
She said Workplace Protection Orders against violent individuals — like a personal safety order but for a whole workplace — would be introduced to parliament next year.
Bunnings has welcomed the government’s announcement, indicating the Workplace Protection Orders are especially important.
“These steps are vital to addressing the unacceptable rise in retail crime in Victoria and ensuring the safety and wellbeing of our team members and customers,” Bunnings managing director Mike Schneider said.
“Bunnings has been a leading advocate for action to address the very serious issue of retail crime, alongside other retailers and industry stakeholders, for some time.”