PEOPLE who assault retail workers will face up to seven years in prison under tough new legislation to be introduced into Parliament by the state government.

The reforms will amend the criminal code to create a new provision that will attract higher penalties for those who assault retail workers in the course of their duties.

This includes the throwing of an object at a retail worker.

The new offences will carry more severe penalties than general assault provisions under the criminal code, and send a strong message to the community that this behaviour towards retail workers – who are simply doing their job – is unacceptable.

Under the change, the maximum penalty for assaulting a retail worker will be increased from 18 months’ imprisonment and a fine of $18,000, to seven years’ imprisonment or three years and a fine of $36,000.

The pandemic saw increased instances of assaults on retail workers, and there is growing evidence that violence against retail workers continues at unacceptable levels.

A 2023 national member survey by the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees’ Association, which attracted 4600 responses, revealed 87 per cent said they had experienced abuse from customers in the past year.

The reports of physical violence increased by a staggering 56 per cent when compared to a 2021 survey.

Premier Roger Cook said everyone had a right to feel safe in their workplace: “These laws send a strong message to violent thugs – you will be held accountable for your actions.”