Retail, fast-food, hospitality and transport workers in Victoria are expected to be better protected under new legislation that has been introduced into the Victorian Parliament.
This will establish a new workplace protection order (WPO) scheme, which will give courts the power to ban or limit people’s access to workplaces when they treat frontline workers unacceptably. Those can be in place for up to 12 months.
Breaching this means offenders face serious consequences of up to two years in prison or a fine of up to $50,000.
The protections apply across all retail businesses and specified train, tram and bus operators.
Victorian Premier Ben Carroll says retail and transport workers keep Victoria running and they must be safe at work.
“These new powers will protect workers, stop repeat offenders and make it clear that this behaviour won’t be tolerated,” he says.
Welcomed by retailers
The Australian Retail Council (ARC) has welcomed the announcement but notes that the detail will determine whether the scheme provides “fast and effective” protection for frontline retail workers.
ARC CEO Chris Rodwell says the legislation is a long overdue step after years of advocacy by retailers and frontline workers.
“Workplace protection orders have been a critical priority for the retail sector. We appreciate that one of Premier Ben Carroll’s first actions in the role is to advance stronger protections for Victoria’s retail workers,” he says.
“Ultimately, the detail will determine whether the scheme delivers practical and immediate protection for workers.”
Mr Rodwell says retailers will use these orders only in the most serious cases involving violent, threatening and repeat offenders.
“Retailers will be looking closely at whether the Bill includes urgent interim orders, which would allow a repeat offender to be barred immediately from returning to harass, intimidate or assault a worker while what may be a lengthy court process takes place,” he says.
“South Australia and the ACT have already implemented practical models. Victoria has the opportunity to draw on those schemes and deliver protections that work from day one.”
Mr Rodwell also says the proposed July 2027 commencement date was too slow.
“Retail workers have already waited years for these protections. We hope to work with the government to bring forward the timeline, so workers aren’t left waiting another year for the laws to take effect,” he says.
