Victoria workplace protection legislation

The Victorian government introduced legislation to establish a Workplace Protection Order (WPO) scheme designed to protect workers in the retail, hospitality, transport, and fast-food sectors. The law empowers courts to ban repeat offenders from specific premises for up to 12 months, with penalties for breaches including fines of up to $50,000 or two years’ imprisonment.

Following the passage of the laws, the retail sector has criticized the legislation for its lack of interim orders. Industry groups, including the Australian Retail Council, argue that without interim measures, frontline workers remain vulnerable to violence and abuse while waiting for courts to process final orders. Retailers have pointed to models in South Australia and the ACT as alternatives for quicker judicial action.

While the government maintains that lowering the threshold for final barring orders provides sufficient protection, industry representatives have highlighted high rates of retail crime, including thousands of recorded assaults and a rise in stalking and harassment. Concerns also persist regarding the scheduled commencement date, which leaves a gap in protection for workers.