Premier Peter Malinauskas to fast track tougher penalties for assaults against retail workers

Violent offenders who attack retail staff could be subject to much tougher penalties under a new plan by the state government. It comes after a recent attack on a worker at Drakes.

New laws will be introduced to protect retail workers after a spike in violent assaults including a recent attack on a worker at Walkey Heights.

Premier Peter Malinauskas announced on Sunday the state government would fast-track laws to enforce tougher penalties for those who assaulting retail workers.

Under the changes a person found guilty of assault could face five years jail, up from two years, while a conviction for assault causing harm could lead to up to seven years behind bars.

A retail worker's hair was pulled in a fight at a Walkley Heights store. Picture: 7 News

The alleged attacker threw lolly pops at the victim. Picture: 7 News

It follows a recent attack on a Drake’s employee which was captured on film last week.

Two girls were arrested the worker confronted an alleged shoplifter at the Walkley Heights store.

One suspect was caught lashing out, and pulling the employees hair before throwing lolly pops at her.

“We have committed to making sure that retail workers do have a declared occupation under the Criminal Law Consolidation Act which means a higher level of penalties for those that do the wrong thing,” Mr Malinauskas told 7 News.

“We anticipate that we’ll have these regulations into the parliament after the midwinter break.”

Premier Peter Malinauskas. Picture NCA NewsWire / Emma Brasier

John-Paul Drake. Picture: Tom Huntley

The move comes after footage emerged of an alleged assault on a Drake’s Walkley Heights employee.

John Paul Drake told 7News he was pleased by the announcement.

“You shouldn’t have to come to work fearing that something like this can happen and I hope this is the start of getting in control of this sort of behaviour,” Mr Drake said.

“They can now have some reassurance that when they come to work, they are not only covered by us as the employer but also the government.”

It has been a long time coming according to the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association.

“It’s disappointing it’s taken a change of government for this to be taken seriously,” union boss Josh Peak told 7 News.

“We are pleased though that the Labor government is moving quickly to introduce this regulation.”