‘Unacceptable’: Plan to tackle retail worker assault revealed

Almost nine in 10 retail workers have been abused or assaulted, with tough new laws introduced to curb attacks.

Tough new rules aimed at curbing attacks on retail workers in NSW will see people convicted of assaulting staff face up to 11 years in prison.

The bill, which was introduced to parliament on Wednesday, will see three new offences added to the Crimes Act targeting attacks on retail workers.

Recent research by the McKell Institute found a staggering 85 per cent of retail workers had been either abused or assaulted on the job.

NSW Premier Chris Minns said employees deserved to be respected at work, with rates of assault increasing since the Covid pandemic began.

“There is no excuse for assaulting anyone, particularly not someone who is doing their job,” Mr Minns said.

“This bill reflects our government’s commitment to support our workers and ensure their safety.”

NSW Premier Chris Minns said employees deserved to be respected at work. Picture: Simon Bullard

The reforms cover a range of offences, including assaulting, harassing, intimidating, or throwing a “missile” at someone in the course of their duties.

Anyone convicted of the new offence will be slapped with a maximum of four years in prison, even if the victim does not incur any actually bodily harm.

Harsher penalties apply to anyone found guilty of assaulting a retail worker and causing bodily harm, with a maximum penalty of up to six years in prison.

Worst still, anyone guilty of wounding or causing grievous bodily harm to a worker in the course of their duties will facing a staggering 11 years in prison.

The maximum sentence applies also to anyone found “being reckless as to causing actual bodily harm” on a retail worker or another person.

NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley said the changes ensured the justice system protected workers, and that penalties were appropriate and meet community expectations.

Research by the McKell Institute found 85 per cent of retail workers had been either abused or assaulted on the job. Picture: Valeriu Campan

“Everyone deserves to feel safe at work and that includes retail workers, they are essential to our economy and society and should not be subject to violence, abuse or threats,” he said.

“The new offences will carry more severe penalties than general assault provisions, and send a strong message that this behaviour is unacceptable.”

Work Health and Safety Minister Sophie Cotsis said assaults caused shop workers, their families, and the wider community distress and lasting emotional scars

“It’s crucial that people feel safe when going to work and these changes will provide a deterrent for those who would behave in this manner to people trying to provide them with a service,” she said.

“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.”