Good news! From 1 July this year WA’s retail, fast-food and pharmacy workers will have some of the toughest customer violence laws in the country.
In October 2023, the SDA launched a petition calling on the WA Parliament to legislate higher maximum criminal penalties for assaults on retail and fast-food workers. In less than six weeks we managed to collect over 9,500 signatures from workers and members of the community who wanted to see customer violence taken seriously.
On 14th November we stood on the steps of the parliament alongside workers, employers, parliamentarians and members of the community to present our petition. The Honorable Kate Doust MLC, a long-time supporter of SDA members, was there to formally accept our petition and read it into the Legislative Council later that day.
On 13th February 2024, Premier Roger Cook and Attorney General John Quigley announced that the Labor Government would introduce legislation along the lines sought by the SDA.
The new penalties for assaulting a retail worker in WA:
If dealt with summarily by a magistrate, a maximum penalty of $36,000 and/or three years in prison (double the current penalties for assaults)
If sent to a district court, a maximum penalty of seven years in prison
If a perpetrator is armed or in the company of others, ten years in prison
SDA campaigning has now won tougher penalties for assaults on retail workers in Western Australia, South Australia and New South Wales, complimenting the existing protections for all workers in the Northern Territory.
Thanks to the many thousands of workers and members of the community who joined us in campaigning for this important change.
– Ben Harris, WA Branch Secrerary
“Retail workers are essential for our economy and our community. Everyone has a right to feel safe in their workplace, but unfortunately, we’ve seen an increase in acts of violence against retail workers. My Government won’t tolerate these disgraceful acts against retail workers. These laws send a strong message to violent thugs – you will be held accountable for your actions.”
– WA Premier, Roger Cook
Our heartfelt appreciation should go to the Cook Labor Government for moving so quickly to bring about these changes. Political, legislative and parliamentary processes can often take many years, but we have gone from a standing start to enacted changes to the criminal code in 40 weeks. Thanks also to the members of parliament who supported this important reform when it came before them and particularly to Hon Kate Doust MLC for reading in our petition to the Legislative Council.
Thanks to the many thousands of workers and members of the community who joined us in campaigning for this important change. Thank you for standing up and calling for better protections for you and your colleagues in the workplace.
Thanks also to those in industry who supported the petition – many of the major employers and their representatives supported this campaign: Woolworths, Coles, Big W, Bunnings, Officeworks, Hungry Jack’s, Endeavour Group, the Liquor Stores Association, and Kmart.
Having these news laws is a major step forward but we must ensure that they are utilised. Please be vigilant and report assaults to your employer, contact police and also the SDA.
You deserve a workplace free from violence.
Reporting assaults in WA
Reporting is the key to taking action on customer violence. Report all incidents to your manager, the police and the SDA. 131 444 to contact WA police, 000 in an emergency or life-threatening situation.