Tougher new laws to protect retail workers and businesses from crime have come into effect in Western Australia.
The state’s new “assault retail worker” offence means violent offenders now face up to ten years behind bars for attacking staff while they’re on the job.
Serial shoplifters can now also be jailed after the removal of the “fine only” penalty limit for those convicted of stealing, or attempted stealing, when they have two or more prior convictions for similar crimes in the past year.
“Just like other Western Australians, retail workers have every right to feel safe in their workplace,” Police Minister Paul Papalai said.
“These tougher penalties send a strong message that violent behaviour towards staff simply doing their job won’t be tolerated.
The introduction of the new legislation comes after a national survey of 4,600 members of the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association (SDA).
It revealed reports of physical violence increased by 56 per cent when compared to two years prior.
The new penalties dictate that people who attack staff in the course of their duties face up to seven years in prison, or three years and a fine of $36,000.
This is an increase on the previous penalties of 18 months in jail and a fine of $18,000.
If a violent offender is armed or with others the penalty rises to a maximum of 10 years in prison.
Serial thieves will now be subject to a maximum penalty of two years imprisonment and $24,000 when dealt with summarily.
Attorney General John Quigley said the state government “doesn’t tolerate cowardly acts of violence against retail workers”.
“These reforms ensure our justice system has the power to reflect community expectations and imposes appropriate penalties for these types of crimes.”
