Victoria adopts Workplace Protection Order law to shield retail and transport workers

The Victorian government has introduced legislation establishing a Workplace Protection Order (WPO) scheme aimed at protecting retail, fast‑food, hospitality and transport workers. The law gives courts the power to ban repeat offenders from premises for up to 12 months; breaches can lead to up to two years’ imprisonment or a $50,000 fine. Premier Ben Carroll said the measures are needed to keep frontline staff safe.

Industry groups welcomed the move but warned that the scheduled commencement on 26 July 2027 leaves workers exposed for another year. The Australian Association of Convenience Stores, which employs more than 20,000 frontline staff in Victoria, highlighted 305,000 crime events in the last financial year, with one in ten involving violence or weapons, and urged an earlier start date and easier access to the orders. The Australian Retail Council echoed the call for faster implementation and practical interim orders.