Westfield Marion lockdown chaos: shopping centre warning system ‘failed to alert of attack danger’

The state’s workplace safety watchdog has found one key failure during Marion’s lockdown chaos in a secret investigation.

A poor emergency warning system failed to alert visitors to danger during the lockdown chaos at South Australia’s biggest shopping centre, the state’s workplace safety watchdog has found.

A confidential SafeWork SA investigation was launched after Westfield Marion shopping centre was evacuated amid fears of a Bondi-style killing spree on June 23.

Inspectors who examined the complex have issued legal orders to overhaul centre practices after concluding its emergency communication system breached workplace safety laws.

Centre bosses have been given the next fortnight to comply with the SafeWork SA statutory improvement notices to ensure systems “operate effectively” or risk further action.

The state government regulator can legally enforce changes through prosecutions or fines.

In the unfolding Sunday panic, workers and customers reported widespread failures of the Oaklands Park retail complex’s public address tannoy and warning systems.

Armed police enter the Westfield Marion shopping centre in Adelaide on June 23, 2024, after the mall went into lockdown following a security incident. Picture: Michael Errey / AFP

As heavily armed police swarmed the southern suburbs centre over concerns of multiple armed attackers, visitors reported not hearing evacuation orders, including in cinemas.

The Marion shopping centre in Adelaide has been evacuated on June 23, 2024. Picture: Supplied

Westfield Marion was locked down and armed police flooded the centre. The shoppie’s union has called for better security training. Picture: Brett Hartwig

Workers also recounted delays in the alarm sounding, which in turn hindered emergency rules, and claimed Westfield management was not easily contactable.

The Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, is calling for better trained security at SA’s retail centres.

The powerful “shoppies” union has also written to the state government requesting SafeWork SA, police and Westfield’s owners Scentre Group review and overhaul emergency rules.

SDA secretary Josh Peak, who represents retail and fast food workers, said the incident “exposed serious flaws in the centre’s readiness for a major emergency”.

He said it also caused unnecessary panic in a “particularly shocking” drama weeks after the Bondi attacks.

Police talk to concerned parents whose children are locked down in the Westfield Marion where armed gangs were reported inside. Picture: NewsWire / Brenton Edwards

“The chaos and confusion across the centre wasn’t good enough and could’ve been avoided,” he said.

“South Australians must be reassured our major shopping centres are safe places to work and shop.

“These centres are major public places where there is an ongoing risk if something goes wrong.”

A gang of three boys, aged 15 and 16, have been charged with being armed with extendible batons and a machete during a fight for a $285 Track Star “hoodie” jumper.

The youths, of Adelaide, Mitchell Park and Morphett Vale, return to court next month.

In response to questions, a SafeWork SA spokesman said officials had met with centre bosses.

“Where noncompliance was identified, statutory notices were issued giving the business an opportunity to improve their emergency management response,” he said.

“In particular (this was) the effectiveness of their communications system to alert workers and customers in the shopping centre.”

A Scentre Group spokeswoman said safety of its customers, business partners and people “is our highest priority”.

SDA Secretary Josh Peak said the chaos was unnecessary. Picture: Kelly Barnes

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has stated he is “satisfied” with the “appropriate” armed police and Westfield response but flagged “minor improvements” with centre alerts. Picture: Dean Martin

“Our team followed our emergency procedures in response to this incident, including escalation to police and alert communications to business partners and customers in the centre at the time,” she said.

A government spokeswoman said SafeWork SA inspectors had also visited the centre.

“Given the tragic events in Bondi it is appropriate that all shopping centres consider reviewing their emergency management protocols,” she said.

Police Commissioner Grant Stevens has stated he is “satisfied” with the “appropriate” armed police Westfield response but flagged “minor improvements” with centre alerts.

An SA Police spokesman said it was still reviewing its response.