The proposed scheme would enable retail store owners to seek court or tribunal orders against individuals involved in personal violence, expanding existing measures such as trespass notices and police move-on powers.
Retail crime remains prevalent, with Tasmania Police reporting that 56 per cent of robberies and ten per cent of all assaults in 2024-2025 occurred in retail locations.
The government is undertaking an initial public consultation on the proposed scheme, seeking feedback from employers, workers, industry groups, and the broader community to inform the development of legislation before releasing a draft bill in 2026. Attorney-General Guy Barnett emphasised that community safety remains a priority for the Tasmanian Government.
"We know that incidents of aggressive and intimidating behaviour towards workers – especially in retail, hospitality and service environments – are a significant and growing concern," he said.
"Our focus is on ensuring any scheme introduced is balanced, effective, and works in practice for the employers and workers it is designed to protect," he said.
Australian Retail Council CEO Chris Rodwell noted the announcement was an important milestone for Tasmania's retail workers.
"Retail workers and customers deserve to feel safe in a store. Unfortunately, for too many, that is not the reality," he said.
"Every day, retail workers across Australia are subjected to threats, violence and intimidation. They are abused, spat on, kicked, punched and threatened while serving their communities. It has to stop.
"We encourage the states and territories yet to introduce Workplace Protection Orders to get on with the job."
He added that WPOs are equipped to target repeat offenders, noting that the top 10 per cent of offenders account for around 60 per cent of retail crime incidents and frequently target the same workplaces.
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