Retail, hospitality and transport workers will soon have stronger protection under new laws to be introduced in Victoria today, aimed at cracking down on assaults and threats against staff.
Premier Jacinta Allan and Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny announced the Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Bill 2025, which introduces new offences for violence and abuse towards customer-facing workers. The changes are designed to make it clear that attacking or threatening a shop assistant, waiter, or rideshare driver will have serious legal consequences.
Under the proposed legislation, assaulting or threatening a worker in these sectors could lead to a prison term of up to five years. Lesser offences, such as using intimidating or obscene language, could result in up to six months in jail. The laws will apply to anyone working in retail, hospitality, or passenger transport, including contractors such as cleaners or security staff.
Premier Allan said the measures are about protecting people who keep businesses and services running. “There is a difference between the customer from hell and the customer who harms—retail workers know it and these laws nail it,” she said. “I worked at a supermarket and I know what it was like. Today, we stand with workers to say it should never be a part of your job, and you’ll be protected.”
The Bill also targets ram raids, a crime that involves using vehicles to break into buildings, which will now be recognised as aggravated burglary with a maximum sentence of 25 years. Repeat offenders will face Adult Time for Violent Crime provisions, ensuring tougher penalties regardless of age.
A new Workplace Protection Order system is also being developed to keep violent or abusive individuals away from workplaces. These orders would act like a personal safety order but protect entire premises rather than a single person. Victoria will work with unions, industry groups and police to design the most effective model, with legislation planned for 2026.
Attorney-General Kilkenny said the changes are a direct response to concerns raised by workers and unions. “We’ve listened to workers, industry and unions, and these reforms respond directly to their concerns about rising abuse and violence in workplaces across Victoria,” she said.
Retail crime remains widespread, with the Australian Retail Association reporting around 800,000 incidents across the country in the past year. Nearly 90 per cent of retail workers say they’ve faced verbal abuse, and more than half of transport gig workers report being threatened or harassed.
Member for South-Eastern Metropolitan Michael Galea said safety must be universal. “Every Victorian deserves to feel safe at work—that includes people serving customers, driving trams and buses, or working in restaurants and shops,” he said.
If passed, the Bill will become law before Christmas.
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