- Penalties for
assaults against retail workers increased under new laws
- Maximum penalty of
seven years' imprisonment, or three years and a fine of $36,000 if dealt
with summarily
Tough new laws targeting violent offenders who assault retail workers have
passed through State Parliament.
Individuals who assault retail workers in the course of their duties
will now face up to seven years in prison, or three years and a fine of $36,000.
This is up from the previous penalties of 18 months' imprisonment and a fine of
$18,000.
The Cook Government's reforms create a new provision in the Criminal
Code that carries more severe penalties than general assault provisions for
those who assault retail workers in the course of their duties. This includes
the throwing of an object at a retail worker.
The higher penalties send a strong message to the community that this
behaviour towards retail workers - who are simply doing their job - is
unacceptable.
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 Attorney General
John Quigley:
"The Cook Labor Government
will not stand for cowardly acts of violence against retail workers.
"Retail staff play a
critical role in our economy and in our communities. This was highlighted for
the community during the pandemic.
"Under no circumstances
should workers be exposed to threats of violence in the workplace. None of us
would tolerate it.
"These reforms will
ensure that not only does our justice system protect retail workers, but also
community standards are met with appropriate penalties for these types of
crimes."
Comments attributed to Police Minister Paul
Papalia:
"Retail
employees should not have to work in fear of being assaulted which is why our
Government has taken a firm stance to ensure criminals who carry out these
gutless attacks are held to account.
"The
WA Police Force does an incredible job at catching these violent offenders and
now those convicted will face significantly tougher penalties as a result."
