NSW government pledges support for businesses, employees impacted by Bondi Junction mall attack

Government's support puts retail workers’ mental health in spotlight

BY Dexter Tilo 24 Apr 2024

Employees of interrupted businesses at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre are entitled to compensation claims after commercial operations paused in the wake of a fatal stabbing incident there April 13, according to the New South Wales government.

Commercial operations re-opened on Friday at the shopping centre, nearly a week after Joel Cauchi stabbed six people to death and wounded more than a dozen others in what authorities believe was an attack targeting women.

NSW Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said employers affected by the pause may be able to access business interruption insurance, while employees are entitled to workers’ compensation claims.

These compensation claims may cover lost income as well as medical and rehabilitation expenses if an employee suffered a work-related injury, such as psychological injuries, according to the NSW government.

Cotsis met on Monday with major insurers for a roundtable to ensure that compensation claims are dealt with promptly and empathetically.

The state insurer icare, which covers a majority of employees in NSW, has also begun processing some claims and aiding those affected.

"The NSW government is in for the long haul supporting all the workers and shop owners today and into the future," Cotsis said in a statement.

Mental health support

Meanwhile, SafeWork NSW has been ordered to come up with a psychological health and safety support package for businesses at the Westfield Bondi Junction shopping centre.

Cotsis ordered the agency to develop the support package for businesses with less than 200 employees. The package includes:

A free advice service for these employers which includes confidential one-on-one sessions with an expert on psychological health and safety.
Free mental health training to ensure workers in these businesses have the practical knowledge and skills to support their own mental health and look out for their colleagues.

Icare is also extending additional psychological support services to employees on top of the Employee Assistance Program service from Westfield's retail employers.

Mental health counsellors are also present at Bondi Junction to offer services, according to the government, while online tools are available to help workplaces address the psychological heath needs of employers.

The NSW government added it will continue engaging with stakeholders to provide support to those affected by the tragic incident.

"Many retail workers are under the age of 25 and it's vital we listen to them and learn from them what more we can do to support them now and into the future," Cotsis said.