, Australia
Photo by David Jia via Pexels

Australia's retail bodies back Queensland’s tougher work safety legislation

The new legislation stipulates stronger penalties for workplace assaults.

The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and the National Retail Association (NRA) have expressed their approval of the Queensland government's newly introduced Respect at Work legislation, which aims to enhance protections for individuals subjected to workplace assaults and promote safer and more inclusive work environments.

The new legislation stipulates stronger penalties for workplace assaults, including those occurring in retail settings. 

“This has been an important area of advocacy and we welcome QLD’s commitment to workplace safety that will see harsher penalties for offenders who assault people at work,” said ARA CEO Paul Zahra.

“No one should go to work fearing for their safety, but unfortunately this is the reality for many retail workers,” he added.

Zahra also urged for more specific penalties targeting abusive or aggressive behavior towards retail workers, similar to the frameworks established in New South Wales (NSW), South Australia (SA), and Western Australia (WA).

NRA Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll noted that Queensland's legislation is in line with the Northern Territory’s recent reforms but urged Queensland to match the harsher penalties seen in other states.

“NSW, SA and WA have set the benchmark by adding harsher penalties for offenders committing violence against retail workers specifically. We would like QLD to follow this model,” she said.

Join Retail Asia community
Since you're here...

...there are many ways you can work with us to advertise your company and connect to your customers. Our team can help you dight and create an advertising campaign, in print and digital, on this website and in print magazine.

We can also organize a real life or digital event for you and find thought leader speakers as well as industry leaders, who could be your potential partners, to join the event. We also run some awards programmes which give you an opportunity to be recognized for your achievements during the year and you can join this as a participant or a sponsor.

Let us help you drive your business forward with a good partnership!

Exclusives

Starbucks Korea opens high-tech store in Seoul
Its first reserve-only branch features AR art installations and a Mixology Bar.
Deliveroo Shopping for nonfood items launched in Singapore
Shoppers may now access beauty and pet care, and consumer electronics on the delivery app.
E-commerce
MR.DIY expands deep into Indonesia’s suburbs
The company has grown to more than 850 branches in just seven years.