The South Australian Government is taking a significant step towards enhancing workplace safety for retail employees by proposing new safety laws to allow businesses to apply for protection orders against individuals who exhibit violent or threatening behaviour.
The proposed "workplace protection order scheme" - inspired by existing protections for public transport staff - aims to create a safer environment for retail workers who frequently face harassment and violence.
Under the new legislation, businesses or shopping centres would have the ability to seek an order from the Magistrates Court to bar individuals whose actions jeopardize the safety of employees. The proposed orders, which could last for up to a year, would apply to those engaged in physical or sexual violence, stalking, harassment, or property damage.
Violations of these orders could result in severe penalties, including up to five years in jail.
Premier Peter Malinauskas emphasized the importance of these measures in addressing concerns raised by both businesses and unions regarding the safety of retail staff. He stated that the “initiative provides businesses with essential tools to protect their employees”, acknowledging that workers should feel secure in their workplaces.
Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees Association SA secretary Josh Peak said “Retail workers are bearing the brunt of customers who are repeatedly doing the wrong thing. This change will be fundamental in ensuring SA retail workers can go to work feeling safe.”
This initiative follows previous significant action by the SA Government to improve safety in the retail sector, including raising penalties for people who assault retail workers.
Support for the initiative has been robust, with the National Retail Association expressing its endorsement and calling for similar measures nationwide. Josh Peak, secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association in South Australia, echoed these sentiments, asserting that these new laws are vital for ensuring that retail workers can perform their duties in a safe and secure environment.
