Coronavirus NSW: Abuse aimed at workers across all jobs to attract a $5000 on-the-spot fine
NSW’s $5000 on-the-spot fine introduced to protect health workers and police from abuse will now also apply to anyone who coughs or spits on any person required to work through the pandemic as they travel to and from their job or at work.
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Every single worker in NSW will be protected from abuse with a $5000 on-the-spot fine to apply to anyone who coughs or spits on those travelling to and from their job or at work.
The move follows a spate of shocking incidents involving bus drivers and retail workers being assaulted, with Health Minister Brad Hazzard declaring that the behaviour was simply “not on”.
The fines were initially introduced to protect health workers and police, but the expanded orders will now apply to everyone who needs to work during the pandemic.
“Everybody working during the COVID-19 crisis is an essential worker and these fines are designed to send a message to these pathetic grubs,” he said. “They need to know that the community won’t cop it.”
According to the retail union, a young staff member imposing restrictions on how many customers could enter a Central Coast supermarket last week was deliberately coughed on in the face.
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Another staff member working at a supermarket in Vincentia on the south coast was forced to get tested for COVID-19 after also being coughed on, with the spit entering her mouth.
The staff member had intervened in a dispute between a colleague and the customer, who was angry at the limits being applied on items. It is understood police are investigation the incident.
In another supermarket in Western Sydney, a woman annoyed at not being able to obtain a refund on a product deliberately coughed in the face of the staff member.
Last Monday, a B-line bus on the northern beaches had to be taken out of service to be cleaned after a commuter spat on a driver during a dispute over the fare. The man allegedly coughed and swore at the driver after being challenged over whether he had tapped on.
When the was asked to leave, the man turned to spit on the driver.
Police obtained a drink container the man had left behind, which they took for testing.
The Ministerial Direction under the Public Health Act 2010 allowed NSW Police to issue fines to anyone who coughs or spits on health workers, police, pharmacists, paramedics or any other public officials.
Bernie Smith, state secretary of the SDA, the union for retail, fast-food and warehouse workers, said the incidents compelled him to seek protection for retail workers.
“I made the approach to the government on Tuesday and yesterday things were put in place,” he said.
“Everyone deserves to be respected at work.”
The expanded direction commences on Monday.
Members of the public can report to Crime Stoppers by calling 1800 333 000.