Australian retail groups call for stricter protections for young workers

Industry leaders highlighted the importance of collaboration amongst stakeholders, including government, industry, and unions.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) have expressed strong support for a new report aimed at enhancing sexual safety for employees in the retail sector.

The report, titled Preventing Young Workers from Experiencing Predatory Behaviour, was released by the Shop Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA) and the Mikell Institute.

Fleur Brown, ARA’s Chief Industry Affairs Officer, emphasised that team safety and wellbeing remain a priority for the retail sector, endorsing the report’s recommendations.

“Sexual harassment in any form has no place in society or the retail industry," Brown said. "The ARA and its members stand firm in our commitment to tackling this issue head-on and ensuring a safe, respectful environment for every worker, regardless of age, gender, or background,” she said.

She highlighted the importance of collaboration amongst stakeholders, including government, industry, and unions, to address the issue effectively.

“In particular, the ARA supports the push for consistent laws across states and territories, as well as the need for clarity around reporting requirements and the recommendation to ban sex offenders from working with children," said Brown.

However, she said the practicalities of some recommendations will require close examination to ensure their effectiveness.

Lindsay Carroll, interim CEO of the NRA, echoed similar sentiments, stressing the importance of protecting young workers.

“As a sector that proudly employs many young people, we continue to do our utmost to protect staff by encouraging retailers to adhere to all relevant legislation and follow best practices,” she said.

The ARA has also collaborated with ANROWS on its Just Another Day in Retail report, released in June, engaging members and fostering dialogue about key research findings and recommendations.

Brown reaffirmed the ARA’s commitment to eradicating sexual harassment in retail workplaces. “The ARA remains steadfast in its commitment to working alongside all partners to eradicate sexual harassment in the retail industry and welcomes further discussions that will lead to permanent change."