This legislation would authorise police and courts to prohibit repeat offenders from entering retail premises for up to two years. Violating such an order could result in a prison sentence of up to five years.
Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell noted that the proposed laws have passed the Legislative Assembly and require prioritisation in the Legislative Council.
"A small cohort of repeat offenders are responsible for a disproportionate share of incidents, including abuse, threats and violence against staff," Rodwell said.
"Retail workers are on the frontline of this every day. They should not have to wait any longer than necessary for stronger protections."
Rodwell also recommended introducing interim barring orders alongside the new legislation to provide immediate protection while full orders are processed.
"Every day this is held up, retail workers remain exposed to repeat offenders who should be banned from stores and shopping centres," he said.
"These measures are already in place in other jurisdictions and are helping to curb repeat offending and improve safety for retail workers. We look forward to seeing this legislation progress as a priority."
This push comes as theft and repeat offending account for an increasing share of retail crime in Western Australia. Reported assaults against non-family members reached a record high in 2025, with 18,120 incidents compared to 12,200 in 2019. Threatening behaviour has also continued to increase.
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