LEGISLATION to tackle retail crime by better protecting retail workers from violent and aggressive behaviour is closer to becoming law after it was recently passed by the Legislative Assembly.

The legislation is part of the Cook government’s election commitment to tackle retail crime and introduce additional measures to protect retail workers and shoppers from violent and aggressive individuals.

The Retail Barring Orders Bill 2025 will give employers, shopping centre owners, and unions the power to apply to the courts to ban individuals from shops and shopping centres.

A Retail Barring Order (RBO) can last up to two years for adults and one year for children.

Penalties of up to five years imprisonment for serious or persistent RBO breaches will apply.

The retail barring order legislation is part of a broader package of reforms including laws introduced in 2024 creating the new offence of assaulting a retail worker.

Between July 2024 and mid-February 2026, there have been 534 convictions recorded for the new retail assaults offence.

The legislation, which will now move to the Legislative Council, includes safeguards to ensure people subject to barring orders can still access essential services and groceries.

Attorney General Dr Tony Buti said the retail sector currently employs about 138,000 people which represents more than 8 per cent of the state's workforce.

“WA’s retail sector plays a vital role in the economy and community but its workforce can be vulnerable, and we are determined to give them better protections.

“This law will provide an enforceable way for threatening and violent people to be banned from entering retail premises.”

Police Minister Reece Whitby said retail workers deserve to feel safe at work and these new retail barring orders give police stronger powers to deal with people who threaten or assault staff and ensure repeat offenders face serious consequences.

“These laws send a clear message that violence in our shops will not be tolerated and provides police the additional tools to tackle retail crime and help keep workers, shoppers and the community safe.”