Rahhul Gajbhiye Center Manager at Broome Boulevard
UPDATE: New laws just announced in Western Australia will empower retailers to impose two-year bans on individuals who assault or threaten staff. This urgent measure aims to combat the alarming rise in violence against retail workers as authorities seek to create safer shopping environments.
The Cook Government’s legislation introduces retail barring orders, a crucial step as incidents of threatening behavior and violence escalate. Broome Boulevard Centre manager Rahhul Gajbhiye expressed strong support for the new laws, stating that while physical assaults are rare at the Broome shopping center, threats remain a troubling issue.
“The safety of retailers, staff, and shoppers at Broome Boulevard is a priority for us,” Gajbhiye said. “We take all reports seriously and work closely with retailers to manage such situations.” The new legislation, which is expected to be implemented soon, aims to bolster safety measures across the state’s retail sector.
According to the Australian Retailers Association, serious incidents in Western Australia surged by 36% since July of last year, with threatening behavior increasing by 48%. Both of these rates exceed the national averages, highlighting the urgent need for effective intervention.
WA Premier Roger Cook emphasized that nobody should have to endure abuse while performing their job. “These laws are about making sure that we can exclude people from a retail environment or a specific place in the event that a complaint is brought against them,” he said.
The process for implementing a barring order will be straightforward. An employer, union official, or shopping center can apply to a magistrate to ban an individual, even without a prior criminal charge. The Attorney-General, Tony Buti, noted that it will be up to the court to assess whether there are reasonable grounds for the order.
Violating a retail barring order will result in criminal charges, with serious breaches potentially leading to a maximum of five years imprisonment. Magistrates will have discretion to allow access for essential services, particularly in rural areas where options are limited.
Authorities report that retail crime in Australia reached a staggering high, with 268,666 incidents recorded last year. This alarming statistic underscores the critical necessity for these new laws.
As the implementation of retail barring orders approaches, Broome’s community and retailers are urged to embrace respectful behavior. Gajbhiye affirmed, “A safe and welcoming shopping environment is essential for our community.”
This legislation is a pivotal response to growing retail violence and aims to ensure that both employees and consumers can shop without fear. The changes are set to reshape the retail landscape in WA, and all eyes are on how these measures will be enforced in the coming months.
Stay tuned for further updates on this developing story as the Cook Government continues to prioritize safety in the shopping experience across Western Australia.
