UPDATE: Retail workers in Australia are facing an alarming increase in violence as incidents of threats and assaults surge above 1,000 times a month, according to new reports from Wesfarmers. The parent company of Bunnings and Kmart, among others, disclosed these shocking figures during their annual general meeting on October 30, 2025, highlighting a critical issue impacting both employees and customers.
The latest data reveals that incidents involving threats of serious harm at Bunnings have soared by 66 percent, while Kmart has seen a 29 percent rise in similar occurrences. Over the past year, Wesfarmers documented a staggering 13,500 instances where workers were threatened, with more than 1,000 incidents involving physical assault, often with weapons. This surge in retail crime is raising urgent concerns across the industry.
In response, Kmart has ramped up security measures in high-risk locations, training employees in de-escalation tactics and equipping them with body-worn cameras. “These are not issues just focused on Wesfarmers. These are broader societal community issues,” said Wesfarmers CEO Rob Scott during the meeting. The need for immediate action is evident, as one-in-three retail crimes in Australia occur in Victoria, which is experiencing 60 percent more incidents than any other state.
Public sentiment reflects this urgency: research from the Australian Retailers Association shows that 79 percent of Victorians are alarmed by rising crime levels, compared to 66 percent in other regions. The alarming trend is prompting discussions about legislative reforms to enhance protections for retail workers. Recent measures in South Australia and the ACT have established laws that prevent violent offenders from entering retail spaces. Meanwhile, the NSW government has launched a police retail crime strategy to combat recidivism among violent offenders.
Scott emphasized the importance of collaboration among retail companies, law enforcement, and government bodies to tackle this perilous trend. “We support sensible reform, including tougher, nationally consistent penalties for violent retail crime,” he stated, urging for a national dialogue on the use of technology to keep known offenders out of stores.
Despite these challenges, Wesfarmers reported a record net profit after tax of $2.7 billion for the last year, marking a 3.8 percent increase. However, chairman Michael Chaney warned of potential investment exodus due to proposed cash flow taxes. “A cash flow tax would make Australia’s tax regime one of the most onerous in the world,” he said, stressing the need for political leaders to focus on long-term economic needs rather than short-term political risks.
As retail crime continues to escalate, the situation remains critical for workers and consumers alike. The community is urged to stay vigilant, as further updates on crime prevention strategies and legislative responses are expected in the coming weeks. Stay tuned for more developments on this pressing issue affecting Australia’s retail landscape.
