New Workplace Protection Orders praised as major step forward in fight against retail crime…
Retailers have welcomed new Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) introduced in South Australia, describing the measures as an important step in tackling rising levels of retail violence and repeat offending.
Introduced earlier this month, the new legislation gives employers, unions and industry groups the ability to apply to the Magistrates Court for orders banning individuals who engage in violent, threatening or harassing behaviour from entering public-facing workplaces for up to 12 months.
Under the new scheme, courts can prohibit offenders from entering – or even approaching within a specified distance of – a workplace. Orders may also impose strict conditions around who individuals can contact while on site.
Anyone subject to a WPO must also surrender any firearms and associated licences.
Chris Rodwell, CEO of the Australian Retail Council, described the reforms as “the beginning of a new era for retail worker safety in South Australia.”
Those found breaching an order face penalties of up to two years’ imprisonment, increasing to five years where personal violence is involved.
The legislation has been widely welcomed by industry bodies and major retailers.
“No team member should have to come to work worried about being threatened, abused or assaulted, and these reforms are an important step towards addressing the growing issue of retail crime and repeat offending,” said Neil Borrington, Head of Store Operations at Coles.
Sarah Faorlin, Head of Acts of Violence and Aggression at Woolworths, also welcomed the new protections and urged other states and territories to adopt similar measures.
“Woolworths has already taken action, successfully lodging the first four Workplace Protection Order applications in South Australia against repeat high harm offenders,” she said.
“With retail violence on the rise, we urge all states and territories to follow the lead of South Australia and the ACT to better protect retail workers.”
Against a backdrop of growing concern around retail violence and worker safety, these issues – and the practical steps retailers can take to better protect frontline colleagues – will be high on the agenda at Retail Risk – Melbourne on 13th August.