The Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) have welcomed the Queensland government’s Respect at Work laws.
This new legislation will see stronger protections for people assaulted at work, alongside a raft of other changes for safer and more inclusive workplaces. Stronger penalties will apply to assaults that occur in the workplace, including in retail settings.
ARA CEO Paul Zahra says while this is a positive step forward, the industry would like to see specific penalties for people who are abusive or aggressive towards retail workers, as is the case in NSW, South Australia and Western Australia.
“This has been an important area of advocacy and we welcome Queensland’s commitment to workplace safety that will see harsher penalties for offenders who assault people at work,” he says.
“While this legislation is a step in the right direction, we want to see harsher penalties for people committing violence in retail-specific work settings.
“No one should go to work fearing for their safety, but unfortunately this is the reality for many retail workers.”
Commenting on the legislation, Queensland Premier Steven Miles says he will always do what matters to ensure Queensland workers have safe and productive workplaces.
“Sadly, we know that across all reported victims of sexual offences, 28.6% of the offenders are an acquaintance, friend, neighbour or colleague,” he says.
“It’s simply unacceptable that this sort of harassment could take place in the workplace, which is why I’m sending a clear message that it must stop.
“These laws now put the onus on an employer to take reasonable steps to eliminate and prevent discrimination and sexual harassment in the workplace.
“It’s just one of many important protections that are now law.
“My message to Queenslanders is simple – we hear you, we see you and we will do what matters to protect you.”