- New legislation to increase penalties for
assaults against retail workers
- Maximum penalty to be increased to seven years'
imprisonment, or three years and a fine of $36,000
- Crackdown targeting violent offenders will make
workplaces safer
People who assault retail
workers will face up to seven years in prison under tough new legislation to be
introduced into Parliament by the Cook Government.
The Cook Government's
reforms will amend the Criminal Code to create a new provision that will attract
higher penalties for those who assault retail workers in the course of their
duties. This includes the throwing of an object at a retail worker.
The new offences will carry more severe penalties than
general assault provisions under the Criminal Code, and send a strong message
to the community that this behaviour towards retail workers - who are simply
doing their job - is unacceptable.
Under the change, the
maximum penalty for assaulting a retail worker will be increased from 18
months' imprisonment and a fine of $18,000, to seven years' imprisonment or
three years and a fine of $36,000 if dealt with summarily.
The COVID-19 pandemic saw
increased instances of assaults on retail workers, and there is growing
evidence that violence against retail workers continues at unacceptable levels.
A 2023 national survey by
the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDA) of its members,
which attracted 4,600 responses, revealed 87 per cent said they had experienced
abuse from customers in the past year.
The reports of physical
violence increased by a staggering 56 per cent when compared with the results
of a 2021 survey.
Comments attributed to Premier Roger Cook:
"Retail workers are
essential for our economy and our community.
"Everyone has a right to
feel safe in their workplace, but unfortunately, we've seen an increase in acts
of violence against retail workers.
"My Government won't
tolerate these disgraceful acts against retail workers. These laws send a
strong message to violent thugs - you will be held accountable for your
actions."
Comments attributed to Attorney General John Quigley:
"The Cook Government has an unwavering commitment to ensuring
community and worker safety in Western Australia.
"Higher penalties for
assaults on retail workers will provide a stronger deterrent against deliberate
acts of violence.
"These reforms will not only ensure that our justice
system protects retail workers, but that community standards are met when it
comes to appropriate penalties for those who commit these crimes."
