The Australian Retail Council (ARC) has welcomed the introduction of long-awaited workplace protection order legislation in Victoria, while saying the detail will determine whether the scheme provides fast and effective protection for frontline retail workers.
ARC CEO Chris Rodwell said the legislation is a long overdue step after years of advocacy by retailers and frontline workers.
“Workplace protection orders have been a critical priority for the retail sector. We appreciate that one of Premier Ben Carroll’s first actions in the role is to advance stronger protections for Victoria’s retail workers,” Mr Rodwell said. “Ultimately, the detail will determine whether the scheme delivers practical and immediate protection for workers.”
Mr Rodwell said retailers would use these orders only in the most serious cases involving violent, threatening and repeat offenders.
“Retailers will be looking closely at whether the Bill includes urgent interim orders, which would allow a repeat offender to be barred immediately from returning to harass, intimidate or assault a worker while what may be a lengthy court process takes place,” he said.
“South Australia and the ACT have already implemented practical models. Victoria has the opportunity to draw on those schemes and deliver protections that work from day one.”
Mr Rodwell also said the proposed July 2027 commencement date was too slow.
“Retail workers have already waited years for these protections. We hope to work with the Government to bring forward the timeline so workers are not left waiting another year for the laws to take effect,” he said.
In the year to March 2026, Victoria recorded 4,823 assault and related offences at retail locations, while stalking, harassment and threatening behaviour increased by 10.1%.
“We welcome the progress made today. We now urge all sides of Parliament to support interim orders and an earlier start date so these laws deliver real protection for workers.”
About us: Australian Retail Council (ARC) represents a $444 billion sector that employs 1.4 million Australians across metropolitan, regional, and remote communities – making retail the largest private sector employer in the country and a significant contributor to the Australian economy. Our membership spans the full spectrum of Australian retail, from family-owned small and independent retailers that make up 95% of our membership, through to our largest national and international retailers that employ thousands of Australians and support both metropolitan and regional communities every day.
