New Protection Orders to Shield South Australian Retail Workers from Violent Customers
- Proposed legislation would introduce Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) to ban threatening individuals from entering shops and offices for up to 12 months
- WPOs would target people who’ve committed or are likely to commit personal violence, including physical or sexual abuse, threats, and harassment
- Breaching a WPO could result in up to two years in prison or five years for aggravated breaches
In a groundbreaking move to combat violence against retail workers, the South Australian government is set to introduce sweeping new laws that would allow courts to ban abusive customers from entering shops and offices for up to 12 months. The proposed legislation, which has been shaped through consultation with unions and business leaders, aims to provide a safer working environment for retail staff who have faced an alarming escalation of violence and aggression on the job.
Under the new laws, employers, unions, and industry groups would be able to apply for Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) through the Magistrates or Youth Court, targeting individuals who’ve committed or are likely to commit personal violence in the workplace.
The definition of personal violence is broad, encompassing physical or sexual abuse, threats, stalking, harassment, intimidation, offensive behaviour, and property damage that causes fear.
In a stirring show of support, South Australian Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Kyam Maher declared, “Violence and aggression towards workers is unacceptable and has no place in our state.
Protecting workers against these types of threatening and intimidatory behaviours is a significant step to ensuring!