Unions and business groups have welcomed tougher penalties for customers who verbally abuse or assault retail workers in NSW, with new offences providing prison terms up to 11 years for the worst attacks.
As McKell Institute research reveals 85 per cent of retail workers have been abused or assaulted at work, legislation will be introduced to NSW parliament on Wednesday to crack down on the perpetrators.
New offences will carry more severe penalties than general assault provisions to send a strong message that such behaviour is unacceptable.
Three new offences will be included in the crimes act, making it a crime to assault, throw a missile at, stalk, harass or intimidate a retail worker at work.
Even if no physical harm is caused, the perpetrator could face a maximum penalty of four years’ prison.
Anyone assaulting a retail worker could face up to 11 years in prison.
NSW Secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association Bernie Smith says the new laws will bring retail workers in line with laws covering other essential workers, including police, emergency and health workers.
“When we asked the public why they thought the level of customer abuse was so high an alarming number said there was a sense that there was no consequences for this behaviour," he said.
"Today that changes. Today we see real consequences for those who do not treat shop workers with respect and cross the line."
Woolworths Group CEO Brad Banducci says it's a significant day for the supermarket chain's 50,000 plus retail workers in NSW.
There were more than 540 serious incidents across Woolworths' NSW stores in the past year, with more than 1700 serious incidents in the past 12 months across Australia.
"While, by far, the vast majority of our customers are respectful, there is no avoiding the fact that retail worker abuse is on the rise," he said.
Business Sydney executive director Paul Nicolaou hopes the new measures will act as a deterrent to keep retail workers safe.
“As the unsung heroes of the pandemic (retail workers) deserve the full protection of the law,'' he said.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra welcomed the tougher penalites, saying that in recent month several retail workers had been stabbed.
“We’ve seen a frightening escalation in retail crime, where it is now becoming a matter of life or death for workers simply trying to do their job,” he said in a statement.
He commended the NSW government for taking strong action to deter such violent incidents and keep retail staff safe.
Premier Chris Minns said everyone should be treated with respect at work.
“This bill reflects our government’s commitment to support our workers and ensure their safety in the workplace," he said.
Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis said abuse at work can leave shop workers with emotional scars, as well as those caused by injury.
"I’ve heard first hand from retail workers who have experienced terrible abuse which has affected their working life, this legislation signals the government’s support for our workers and their safety," she said.
"We are committed to ensuring the justice system protects workers and that penalties are appropriate and meet community standards."
