The SDA – the state’s largest union – is alarmed by the surging levels of crime and theft across the retail sector and calling for collaborative action to be taken.
Theft from shops has increased by 30% and robberies and related offences have surged by 27% between September 2022 to September 2023 according to the latest SA Police statistics.
These statistics correlate with the findings of the SDA’s recent national survey on the prevalence of customer abuse and violence in retail and fast food.
Our national survey of over 4600 workers found that physical abuse is on the rise, with 12.5% of workers being the victims of physical violence by customers.
This survey also found that levels of customer abuse in South Australia are trending above the national average.
The State Government took steps last year to increase worker protection by declaring all assault against retail workers as aggravated offences. However, more needs to be done.
SDA Calls for Retail Industry Roundtable and Further Protections
The SDA has written to Premier Malinauskas calling on the Government to hold a roundtable of key stakeholders.
To safeguard workers against rising crime and theft, the SDA will be advocating for:
- The introduction of tougher trespass laws similar to those in the NT
- The establishment of a Taskforce with SafeWork SA, SAPOL and the retail industry to focus on shop crime and worker safety
- A review of store design guidelines to ensure there are physical measures in place to keep workers safe
South Australia’s current trespass laws only allow for abusive customers to be banned for a maximum of 24 hours, leaving workers at risk.
Earlier this year, the NT Parliament passed new laws to improve trespass measures.
These new laws mean that abusive customers can be banned from re-entering sites for 3 months by default and authorise shopkeepers and employees to issue trespass notices verbally.