Victoria has introduced tough new penalties for anyone who abuses or assaults frontline workers, with the Allan Labor Government passing sweeping laws to crack down on violence in retail, hospitality, fast food and transport settings.
Under the Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Act 2025, a new indictable offence will apply to anyone who assaults or threatens to assault staff serving customers, transporting passengers, making deliveries or even walking to and from their shift. Offenders now face up to five years’ jail.
Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said the changes reflect concerns raised by workers, unions and employers about rising hostility across customer-facing industries. “We’ve listened to workers, unions and industry – and these laws respond directly to the disturbing rise in abuse and violence in workplaces across Victoria,” she said.
“Every Victorian deserves to be safe at work. These laws strengthen protections and we’ll continue that work with Workplace Protection Orders.”
Lower-level assaults and threatening behaviour — including profane or obscene language — will attract separate summary offences with penalties of up to six months behind bars. These lesser offences are designed to give police more flexible powers to intervene early and protect workers before incidents escalate.
The laws will apply to all customer-facing staff, from retail assistants, fast-food workers and waiters to taxi and rideshare drivers, delivery riders, cleaners, security guards and public transport operators. Contractors working on-site will also be covered.
The reforms come as frontline abuse surges across the country. Last year, about 800,000 retail crime incidents were reported nationwide. The Australian Retail Association says more than 70 per cent of retailers have seen a rise in theft, while more than half report experiencing physical abuse on a monthly basis.
In a major shift, ram raids will now be treated as aggravated burglary, carrying a maximum 25-year sentence. Repeat or serious offenders will also be captured under Adult Time for Violent Crime provisions, ensuring harsher consequences.
The Government will introduce Workplace Protection Orders next year, allowing violent individuals to be banned from specific workplaces as part of its ongoing effort to tackle retail crime and keep workers safe.
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