Pass worker protection laws without delay, retailers urge NSW Parliament

The Australian Retail Council (ARC) welcomes the NSW Government’s introduction of workplace protection order legislation to Parliament today and urges all sides to pass these critical safety laws as soon as possible. 

Workplace protection orders are court orders that can ban people who have threatened, intimidated or assaulted workers from returning to a workplace where there is a risk they will offend again.  

ARC CEO Chris Rodwell said the legislation marks a significant step forward, with urgent action needed to secure its passage and operationalise the protections. 

“We thank the NSW Government for introducing these critical laws and for listening to retailers and their teams,” Mr Rodwell said. “Every retail worker has the right to go to work without being abused, harassed, threatened or assaulted. Nobody should have to wonder whether a violent offender will walk back through the door on their next shift. 

“Across Australia, retail employs more than half a million people under the age of 24. For many, it is their first job. Abuse and violence should never be part of their introduction to working life. 

“We urge all sides of Parliament to swiftly back these laws. Every day counts. Workers facing violence and threats need these protections operating now.” 

Australian Bureau of Statistics figures show police recorded 8,944 victims of assault at retail locations across NSW in 2025, equivalent to about 25 a day. 

Nationally, Auror data shows around 270 violent retail crime incidents a day. It also shows the top 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for around 60 per cent of retail crime harm, with repeat offenders up to four times more likely to be violent. 

“Retailers would seek these orders only against repeat offenders who pose a serious threat to workers and customers,” Mr Rodwell said. “These are people who repeatedly return to stores and threaten, intimidate or assault workers. Workplace protection orders help break that cycle of offending. 

“We have already seen the difference these orders can make. Retailers report a more than 90 per cent reduction in reoffending among repeat offenders subject to an order in the ACT. That means safer workplaces and fewer workers facing the same offender again and again. 

 “The Government has indicated the scheme could commence up to 12 months after the legislation passes. South Australia brought its protections into operation within five months, and WA’s retail barring orders passed Parliament last week and are due to operate before Christmas. 

“We urge NSW to move with the same urgency. Workers should not have to wait another year for protection.” 

Attributable to Woolworths’ Head of Violence Prevention, Sarah Faorlin: 

“The safety of our team and our customers is always our number one priority, and we thank the NSW Government for introducing these crucial protections for retail workers. 

“We know these laws work. In the ACT, there has been a 92 per cent reduction in reoffending among repeat offenders subject to an order, and South Australia has achieved a 100 per cent reduction. These results demonstrate the real-world difference they make to our team. 

“The message to offenders is clear: if you abuse or threaten retail staff, you will be held to account.” 

Attributable to Ivan Slunjski, Coles State GM Supermarket Operations: 

“Our team should never have to accept threats, abuse or violence as part of the job. It’s pleasing to see the New South Wales Government introduce this legislation to Parliament, providing our team with a clear message that their safety is a priority. 

“We know that Workplace Protection Orders work, and are an important tool to help us protect our team and address the serious challenge of repeat offending. Our team members deserve to feel safe every time they come to work.”