The SDA is calling for a major review and overhaul of security protocols and powers in major shopping centres across South Australia.
There have been significant and widely-reported incidents recently at shopping centres in Adelaide, which have put workers and customers at risk.
We have received countless examples from members about times where shopping centre security has been inadequate and where workers’ health and safety has been put at risk.
The lack of strong security protocols – which are set by shopping centre management – are failing to keep workers and customers safe.
There are not enough security guards present in our shopping centres.
Shopping centre owners don’t give them strong enough powers to respond to incidents.
We’ve had enough. Shopping centres must do the right thing and address these concerns in 2025.
The SDA is publicly calling on major shopping centres to:
- Increase security guard numbers to ensure their centres are always adequately staffed.
- Increase the powers of security guards and ensure the appropriate level of training so that there is security on hand that can intervene and properly response to incidents.
Should shopping centres refuse to act, we are calling on the State Government to step in and conduct a review and seek to mandate the number of security guards and training levels.
We have received countless reports from our members about times where shopping centre security has been inadequate and unable to ensure workers’ safety.
In a recent survey of SDA members in major shopping centres:
- 75% say there are not enough security guards.
- 90% believe that security guards should be given more powers to keep workers safe.
- A majority believe the current security guard arrangement poses a risk to their health and safety.
It’s not just retail workers who support this, security guards also agree more must be done.
Even security guards have told us they feel that the circumstances have become more dangerous and they don’t have the appropriate skills to intervene.
We’ve had enough. Shopping centres must do the right thing and address these concerns in 2025.
Your safety at work is the SDA’s top priority.
From improved security measures in shopping centres to increased penalties for abusing workers, the SDA will continue to push for practical reforms to ensure no worker has to go to work and worry if they’ll come home safely.
We need to send a clear and strong message to shopping centres that retail and fast food workers, customers and business owners support stronger security measures.