SDA CONTINUES PUSH FOR URGENT RETAIL SAFETY REFORMS
Victoria is experiencing a worrying increase in knife-related incidents, and our retail workers are the ones most at risk.
Victoria has been subjected to high profile incidents such as the Northland shopping centre brawl and the stabbing of an SDA member in Bairnsdale, which shows that knife related crime is growing.
The SDA welcomed the Victorian Government’s fast-tracked ban on machetes as a crucial first step. However, we believe more must be done to protect workers and shoppers.
Even though machetes are banned, other dangerous blades like kitchen knives and utility tools are still easily available in many stores.
These items, similar to cigarettes and expensive alcohol, should be securely stored until purchased.
Secretary Michael Donovan stated, “The shocking scenes at Northland, and the attack on our member in Bairnsdale, are a brutal reminder that frontline retail workers face unacceptable risks”.
He added, “We’ve seen knives taken from store displays and used in violent attacks. That cannot continue”.
Since March, the SDA has been urging the Premier for stronger safety measures, including mandatory secure storage for all bladed items in retail. Recent events only highlight how urgent this reform is.
Police regularly conduct weapon searches in shopping centres and transport hubs, seizing many illegal knives. More than 75% of the nearly 7,000 blades seized this year were found in Melbourne alone.
The SDA is also calling for more security in stores and shopping areas, and a continued crackdown on weapon-related violence.
For our members on the retail frontline, this isn’t just about policy; it’s about feeling safe at work.
The time for stronger protections is now!
6,876
Illegal knives have been seized in 2025 so far.
75%
of the 7000 blades seized this year were found in Melbourne