The SDA welcomes the expansion of SA Police’s powers in Adelaide shopping centres to keep workers and the public safe.
SA Police now have the power to conduct metal detector wanding searches in eleven shopping centres across Adelaide.
This is part of a series of tough knife law reforms by the Malinauskas Labor Government to prevent knife crime and violence in retail settings, announced earlier this year.
These powers apply at Arndale, Burnside Village, Colonnades Elizabeth, Hollywood Plaza, Marion, Modbury Triangle, Munno Para, Parabanks, Rundle Mall (including Hindley Street), TTP and West Lakes.
The police will also have powers to order a person or a group, posing a risk to public safety to leave the shopping centre for 24 hours. If they re-enter or attempt to, they will face a penalty of up to $1250.
Shopping centres are not just public places. They are workplaces for thousands of South Australians, and every single worker deserves to feel safe.
Multiple layers of protection are necessary to prevent knife violence and keep workers safe.
Wanding powers, prohibiting the sale of knives to minors, the secure storage of knives in retail settings, strong security protocols in shopping centres and improving the physical store design are all part of this.
All workers, no matter where they live or work, must be provided with a safe workplace that is free of the threat of violence.
The SDA will continue to call for stronger security measures and more security guards in major shopping centres to keep workers safe.
