The SDA has campaigned for tougher penalties for customer abuse and violence and to ban aggressive customers.
The SDA welcomes the passage of legislation for Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) through the Victorian Parliament as a significant step forward in protecting our members from violence, threats and abuse.
The SDA has been calling for the WPO legislation to be in operation earlier than the initially proposed start date of 1 July 2027. The Government has listened and brought forward the operative date to 1 March 2027.
The legislation, introduced by the Carroll Labor Government, follows sustained advocacy by the SDA Victorian Branch and the union’s Ban Aggressive Customers campaign, which has called for stronger protections against repeat offenders who threaten, intimidate and assault frontline workers.
WPOs already operate in the ACT and SA. Once in operation in Victoria, these orders will allow employers and the SDA to apply to the Magistrates’ Court to ban individuals whose behaviour places workers at risk. If they breach the order, they can face potential imprisonment.
The SDA has been calling for the WPO legislation to be in operation by Christmas time. The Government has brought forward the operative date from 1 July 2027 to 1 March 2027.
When the legislation is in effect, we want retailers to use the legislation to protect our members.
The SDA thanks every member who supported the Ban Aggressive Customers campaign, particularly SDA Delegates who campaigned in workplaces and communities across Victoria to help secure this important reform.
Quotes attributable to Michael Donovan, Secretary the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association, Victorian Branch:
“Our members have been subjected to torrents of abuse, threats and violence from aggressive customers, including repeat offenders who return to workplaces time and again to harass workers”.
“We said this was a crisis and today Parliament has taken an important step towards addressing it”.
“This reform didn’t happen by accident. SDA members and Delegates fought for it, campaigned for it and demanded action because no worker should have to accept abuse or violence as part of the job”.
“Passing the legislation is a major milestone, but workers need these protections operating as soon as possible. We’ll keep pushing until Workplace Protection Orders are protecting Victorian workers on the shop floor.”
“When the legislation is in effect, we want retailers to use the legislation to protect our members”.
Michael Donovan is available for interview.
Contact: Jim Middleton 0418 627066