The Western Australian Liberal Party has announced its intention to increase protections for retail workers, including introducing Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs), which has garnered support from liquor retail peak bodies.
WA Liberal Leader Libby Mettam said that the party is concerned about the safety of the state’s shoppers and retail workers.
“Across the state we are hearing that crime and anti-social behaviour is out of control and is disrupting too many lives,” she said.
“A WPO will keep thugs who frequently intimidate or are violent towards workers and customers in shops out of those premises.”
An effective solution
Tjorn Dirk Sibma, Shadow Minister for Justice, said that WPOs have been effective in other parts of the country.
“WPOs have been successfully rolled out in the ACT, where they have specifically targeted repeat offenders, legally barring those individuals who pose an ongoing threat from workplaces,” he said.
Employers are able to apply for a WPO to protect their staff and customers from high harm repeat offenders, with the order applying to the whole workplace for a period of 12 months. This differs from a Violence Restraining Order (VRO), which requires the victim of violence in the workplace to apply for the VRO, and only protects the victim rather than the whole workplace.
Following an incident of violence or intimidation in the workplace, the business will be able to apply for the WPO in a similar manner to applying for a VRO. Evidence such as CCTV footage, police reports and witness statements will still need to be provided to meet the burden of proof. Additionally, a WPO cannot be issued for shoplifting, as it is focused on addressing violent offences.
An individual who has been issued with a WPO may be prohibited from entering the workplace, required to remain a certain distance away from the workplace, or subject to conditions under which they may enter the workplace or contact specific individuals.
The WA Liberals has also committed to broad reaching initiatives to address the root causes of violent conduct in retail premises.
“We will also tackle repeat offenders by allocating $5 million over four years to run anti-recidivism programs to break the cycle of violence. In other words, we will keep repeat offenders out of stores, while giving them the tools to break the cycle, making the Western Australian community safer,” Sibma said.
“At the same time, we will create an additional 25 specialist roles within a new Workplace Protection Unit within WA Police, equipping law enforcement with the tools they need to implement WPOs, then enforce and respond to workplace violence.”
Support from industry
The announcement has received the support of peak liquor retail bodies, with Liquor Stores Association of Western Australia CEO, Peter Peck, saying the proposed measure protects victims of violence and intimidation by allowing business owners to take charge of applying for WPOs.
“Anything that sets out to ensure the safety of people doing their job or protecting customers from unruly and anti-social behaviour is important, especially for those in a retail setting, including our liquor store members and their staff.
“It’s a plan that allows employers to do the heavy lifting through the courts and protects their staff. It’s a step in the right direction and another way to ensure community safety.
“For far too long, retail workers have been treated like punching bags by cowardly thugs and hopefully this is something that can help put a stop to mindless violence and abuse that people suffer in their workplace,” he said.
Retail Drinks Australia CEO, Michael Waters, said that it is positive to see governments and opposition parties concerning themselves with the protection of retail workers.
“Liquor retail workers have unfortunately witnessed first-hand some of the poor behaviour we’ve seen in recent times, and we welcome all steps taken by governments and oppositions across Australia to enhance their protection.
“Retail Drinks, our members, and the broader industry are proud to be doing our part, with our Safe to Serve Industry Responsibility initiative helping to ensure that liquor store owners are equipped with the resources they need to better protect staff and customers from violence,” he said.
“Whether it’s customer abuse or physical assaults, there is simply no place for this kind of behaviour in society.”