Thursday, 26 May 2022

Northern Victoria Region

Mr GEPP (Northern Victoria) (12:31): (1800) My question is to the Minister for Workplace Safety. Violence in the workplace is not acceptable at any level in Victoria, especially in our hospitality venues. As we know, hospitality workers are already under enormous pressure from insecure work, stagnant wages and attacks on their penalty rates. Adding alcohol-fuelled patrons to the environment can be a dangerous mix and present particular workplace safety challenges for workers. For example, we have recently heard about the appalling treatment meted out to hospitality workers and other patrons in a number of venues, including in my electorate of Northern Victoria, by Mr Davis after he had consumed far too much booze. Hospitality workers in Northern Victoria expect to have a safe workplace, and I have been asked by constituents to address this matter with you. My question, Minister, is: what steps is the government taking to ensure the workplace safety of hospitality workers in Northern Victoria, particularly when they are confronted by rude, obnoxious, boorish and abusive drunks?