New legislation in South Australia aims to impose bans of up to 12 months on customers who engage in harassment, abuse, or threats against retail employees. This initiative is part of broader reforms that the state’s Attorney-General, Kyam Maher, claims are more comprehensive than measures in other Australian states.
Under the new laws, individuals who violate workplace protection orders by returning to a retail establishment could face incarceration. The legislation, which took effect this week, allows supermarkets and shopping centers to prohibit aggressive and violent customers from their premises.
Mr. Maher characterized this move as a pioneering step for the nation, noting that those who stalk, harass, or threaten retail workers could be barred from returning for a full year. He emphasized that this legislation is not limited to individual businesses, as it empowers entire supermarket chains, shopping centers, and even labor unions to seek protective orders against offenders.
Josh Peak, secretary of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA), which has advocated for these reforms, stressed the importance of safety for retail workers. He reported that since the introduction of the law, Woolworths has filed four applications for protective orders that will be evaluated by a court.
“It’s unacceptable for someone who has previously assaulted or abused a worker to have the ability to return at any time,” Mr. Peak stated.
Retail employee Janine Hall shared her concerns at a press conference, recounting incidents where her colleagues were assaulted by customers while performing their duties. “Two of our employees were attacked from behind while conducting bag checks, which has had lasting effects on them,” she remarked.
Ms. Hall noted that daily incidents of customer abuse are common and expressed hope that the new laws would encourage individuals to reconsider their actions.
Peter Hurley, managing director of the Hurley Hotel Group, expressed relief that the issue of customer aggression is being addressed. He highlighted that employees in his bottle shops face threats weekly, with aggressive customers making alarming statements. He previously contemplated providing staff with pepper spray and dye-marking water guns to assist law enforcement in identifying offenders.
He remarked that he hopes the new regulations will lead to increased police involvement in violent incidents at establishments. “While I cannot guarantee their effectiveness, the potential for a custodial sentence may motivate police to pursue charges against offenders more vigorously,” he noted.
Supermarket worker Kirsty Lithgow, who attended the press conference with the SDA, recounted her experiences of being yelled at by customers over stock shortages. She detailed incidents of violence, including security guards being targeted with fire extinguishers and colleagues facing threats of being spat on.
“There are days when I dread going to work, questioning whether I will face abuse or witness my teammates being harassed,” Ms. Lithgow shared. “These new protections empower retail workers to stand firm against unacceptable behavior from customers.”
Mr. Maher mentioned that similar protective measures are already in place in the Australian Capital Territory, with New South Wales, Queensland, and Western Australia considering similar legislation.
