Almost 9000 retail workers assaulted yearly as NSW plans new bans
NSW plans Workplace Protection Orders to let businesses seek court bans on violent customers, as almost 9000 retail workers are assaulted annually.
NSW is introducing Workplace Protection Orders to help shops ban violent customers. Businesses will be able to apply for court orders against anyone aged 14 and over who stalks, intimidates, or commits violence at a workplace.
Breaching a ban carries penalties of up to two years jail, a $5500 fine, or both. Almost 9000 retail workers were assaulted last year, about 25 a day.
Police data shows just 10 per cent of offenders cause 60 per cent of repeat incidents. The government said frontline workers face particular danger from repeat offenders who target the same workplace.
The laws will roll out over the next 12 months, starting with retail and possibly expanding to other industries.
- Up to 2 years jail, $5500 fine, or both
- Breach penalties
- Orders apply to anyone aged 14 and over
- Age threshold
Why it mattersRetail workers have faced years of abuse with little legal recourse; these orders give businesses a concrete tool to protect staff and deter repeat offenders.
AustraliaNSW retail workers now have stronger legal protections, setting a potential model for other Australian states to follow.
✓ Claims checked against the source and corrected before publish. checked 2 h ago
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