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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.

Check out the campaign page here.

This recognises the importance of the work done by SDA members and the significance of the harm that is done by customer violence.

The new laws will mean that assaulting a retail or fast food worker will have tougher new consequences – with a doubling of fines and much higher maximum imprisonment sentences.

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.

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.

In Unity,
Ben Harris
WA BRANCH SECRETARY

Reporting Assaults

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

Report an incident to the SDA