New South Wales will establish Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs), enabling courts to prohibit individuals aged 14 or older from re-entering workplaces, contacting staff, or carrying weapons if they have a history of stalking, intimidation, or workplace violence and pose a risk of repeat offenses. Breaking these orders may lead to two years in prison, a AUD$5,500 penalty, or both. Employers, unions, and workplace safety representatives can seek such orders with proper authorization on behalf of affected employees.
Lawmakers developed the plan after holding discussions with retailers, police forces, unions, and legal advisors beginning in March. The Australian Retail Council (ARC) supported the initiative but stressed the need for quicker adoption. CEO Chris Rodwell called it a significant step forward in protecting retail workers. “This is a significant step forward in protecting retail workers who face unacceptable violence, threats and abuse simply for doing their jobs,” he said. “Retail workers are facing violence and abuse today, and every day counts. We urge the government to act with urgency and bring the laws into operation as soon as possible.”
Read Also: IJC honors retailers with special awards night
If approved, the orders will take effect within 12 months. Similar systems exist in South Australia and the Australian Capital Territory, while Victoria’s version launches in July 2027 and Tasmania opened public discussions in June. This aligns with NSW’s broader crackdown on retail crime, including Operation Percentile, which began last October and has already tied 2,380 incidents to recovered merchandise worth AUD$600,000.
