Proposal to grant employers more tools to protect their staff, businesses
The South Australian government has announced plans to introduce tough new legislation aimed at enhancing the safety of retail workers and shoppers.
Under the proposed measures, businesses would have the authority to bar individuals exhibiting violent or intimidating behaviour from their premises, mirroring existing protocols used in public transport.
The proposed workplace protection order scheme would allow businesses to apply to the Magistrates Court for orders preventing individuals who have previously engaged in violent behaviour from entering their establishments for up to a year.
This scheme is designed to address various offences, including physical violence, sexual violence, stalking, harassment, and property damage.
South Australian Premier Peter Malinauskas said the proposal is a way of ensuring businesses have more tools at their disposal to help protect both their business and their staff.
"We've heard loud and clear from both business and union groups that the issue of harassment, abuse and violence against staff remains a serious issue in South Australia," Malinauskas said in a statement.
"Giving the Magistrates Court the power to impose orders for up to a year is a way of giving both business and staff more certainty and security in the workplace."
The proposed legislation comes in response to ongoing concerns about safety in the retail environment. In recent months, the SA government has taken significant steps to bolster protections for retail workers, including increasing penalties for assaults against them and implementing a police initiative called Operation Measure to crack down on retail theft.
Industrial Relations Minister Kyam Maher affirmed the government's commitment to community safety within the retail sector.
"We will continue to work with industry to ensure South Australia remains at the forefront of keeping workplaces safe for workers and the community," Maher said.
The introduction of workplace protection orders has received support from various industry stakeholders.
David Stout, Policy Director of the National Retail Association, expressed strong backing for the initiative.
"The National Retail Association fully supports the initiative of the South Australian Government to introduce Work Protection Orders in South Australia," Stout said in a statement. "These Work Protection Orders will give businesses and police more power to act on aggressive individuals quickly and effectively."
Retail workers in South Australia, a sector that employs over 1.3 million people - many of whom are women and young individuals — are often on the front lines of customer interactions.
Josh Peak, Secretary of the Shop, Distributive, and Allied Employees Association, noted the growing concern for worker safety.
"Retail workers are bearing the brunt of customers who are repeatedly doing the wrong thing," Peak stated. "This change will be fundamental in ensuring SA retail workers can go to work feeling safe."
Colin Shearing, Chief Executive of South Australian Independent Retailers, also voiced his support for the proposed measures.
"We support any effective instrument that shop owners can put into their toolboxes to help mitigate instances of violence," Shearing said.
