In a major crackdown on workplace violence, the state government has passed the Crimes Amendment (Retail, Fast Food, Hospitality and Transport Worker Harm) Act 2025, introducing tough new penalties for those who abuse, assault, or threaten customer-facing workers.
Under the new laws, which will be in place before the busy Christmas season, a serious indictable offence will apply to anyone who assaults or threatens to assault a retail, fast food, hospitality, or transport worker. Those charged under this offence face up to five years’ imprisonment.
Separate summary offences will also apply for lower-level assaults, threats, and intimidating conduct, including the use of profane, obscene, or insulting language.
These offences carry penalties of up to six months jail and provide police with more flexibility to intervene early and protect workers.
“We’ve listened to workers, unions, and industry, and these laws respond directly to the disturbing rise in abuse and violence in workplaces across Victoria,” Attorney-General Sonya Kilkenny said .
The new protections cover all customer-facing workers, from retail and hospitality staff to security, cleaners, delivery riders, taxi and rideshare drivers, and public transport operators.
“Every Victorian deserves to be safe at work,” Ms Kilkenny continued.
“These laws strengthen protections, and we’ll continue that work with Workplace Protection Orders next year.”
The laws are a response to the growing number of incidents across the retail, fast food, hospitality, and passenger transport sectors, where most frontline workers are women, and a third are under the age of 24.
According to the Australian Retail Association, over the last year, there were approximately 800,000 retail crime incidents across Australia.
Additionally, 70 per cent of retailers reported an increase in customer theft, and more than half experienced physical abuse monthly or more often.
“The disturbing rise in abuse and violence against hardworking Victorians who serve others and keep our state moving is unacceptable,” Ms Kilkenny said.
“These new laws will deliver serious consequences for these unacceptable crimes.”
The legislation also introduces tougher penalties for ram raids, which will now be recognised as aggravated burglary, carrying a maximum penalty of 25 years’ imprisonment.
Serious or repeated offending will also fall under Adult Time for Violent Crime, ensuring serious consequences for these crimes.
