Wednesday, 12 November 2025

 Gary MAAS (Narre Warren South) (19:08): (1392) The adjournment matter I wish to raise is for the Minister for Industrial Relations in the other place and concerns the safety of retail workers. The action that I seek is that the minister provides an update on how the Allan Labor government will protect retail workers in my electorate of Narre Warren South. I know that our government is working hard on legislation to support retail and customer service employees as data has shown a rise in abuse. As a former union leader, worker safety is something that I care deeply about, and public abuse of retail workers has always been an issue but has reached a new level of disrespect. I understand that the SDA found that 87 per cent of workers had experienced abuse from customers in the previous year, and that is compared to a 2021 survey where reports of physical violence against workers had increased by 56 per cent. This data, along with anecdotal evidence that has been received from unions and employers, has shown that there is a need for stronger protections against harassment, discrimination and intimidation of retail, hospitality and customer service workers. Many of us know or in fact have been a retail or hospitality worker at some stage in our lives. We all know that workers in these industries can experience the worst of society in their public-facing roles, but no-one should have to experience threatening, unsafe or intimidating behaviour while simply doing their job. I would like to acknowledge the terrific work of delegates and members at the SDA, at the TWU and indeed at the United Workers Union, who are at the front line of advocating for and protecting our workers in this retail space. I look forward to the state government introducing legislation that will protect workers each and every single day.