Violent and threatening behaviour against retail workers is unacceptable and the Government is examining additional measures to build on existing protections against this conduct.
Consultation will begin in the coming week on a model for Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs) with enhanced protections anticipated to be introduced this year.
WPOs are designed to prevent an offender from engaging in threatening or violent behaviour against a retail worker. This includes the ability to apply for a court order banning an offender from entering a premises.
This next step towards a model for WPOs builds on a retail crime strategy announced by NSW Police in October to target repeat, serious offenders and keep workers safe.
As part of the strategy, police are conducting high visibility, intelligence-led operations in retail precincts to prevent and disrupt violent behaviour and other retail crime.
Since October 2025, police have charged 525 people, issued 392 court attendance notices and recovered more then $230,000 worth of stolen stock under Operation Percentile.
Operation Percentile is formally recognised by the National Retail Association for excellence in law enforcement and its impact in retail crime prevention.
In 2023, the Government created three new offences for harassing, stalking or assaulting a retail worker punishable by up to 11 years' imprisonment.
The Government has also formed a tripartite working group with SafeWork NSW, SDA and retailers to address violence and abuse against workers in the retail sector and ensure compliance.
This work is also backed by SafeWork NSW's Respect at Work team who create tailored guidance preventing harassment in the retail sector.
Attorney General Michael Daley said:
"No one deserves to be harassed, intimidated or abused simply for doing their job. Violence against retail workers has no place in New South Wales.
"The Government already has robust protections for retail workers, but we know there is more to do.
"That's why we are speaking with unions, retailers and other groups on how Workplace Protection Orders can be added to our toolkit and what form they can take.
"We are determined to further stamp out this despicable behaviour."
Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis said:
"The NSW Government has zero tolerance for abuse or harassment of retail workers. Everyone has the right to feel safe and be safe at work.
"The commitment to Workplace Protection Orders builds on the Minns Government's record of doing everything it can do to keep retail workers safe at work including tougher new laws, penalties and prison time. The 2023 laws created three new offences with penalties of up to 11 years' imprisonment.
"Since July 2023, 192 individuals have been charged with 242 offences with 41 individuals receiving a custodial imprisonment sentence.
"I've established a tripartite working group with SafeWork NSW, the SDA and retailers to address violence and abuse in the sector and strengthen compliance. This work is also supported by SafeWork NSW's Respect at Work team, which provides tailored guidance to prevent harassment.
"This reform will complement this important work."
Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism Yasmin Catley said:
"Anyone who assaults or intimidates a worker is among the lowest of the low.
"Police are working tirelessly to keep our shops safe by targeting retail crime and repeat offenders.
"Operation Percentile is policing at its finest. We're seeing officers conduct high-visibility patrols and intelligence-led operations in shopping centres across the state.
"We want all workers and shoppers to feel and most importantly, be safe which is why police are also working closely with retailers and retail staff to combat crime."
NSW SDA Secretary Bernie Smith said:
"The SDA welcomes the NSW Government decision to introduce Workplace Protection Orders. SDA members have long campaigned for Workplace Protection Orders to keep repeat offenders out of retail workplaces.
"These banning orders send a simple message that builds on the Minns Government's increased penalties for assaulting retail workers - treat retail workers with respect or face the consequences.
"In the ACT, the use of Workplace Protection Orders has seen a 23% reduction in violent incidents.
"The SDA welcomes the NSW Government's announcement as the next step to reduce the shocking rate of retail abuse and violence. We call on the community to support these changes and support retail workers."
Australian Retailers Council Chief Executive Chris Rodwell said:
"Retail crime has escalated to crisis levels, with organised crime playing an increasing role. Auror data shows around 10 per cent of offenders are responsible for roughly 60 per cent of the harm experienced by retailers.
"This isn't just about theft - retail workers are facing increasing levels of abuse, threats and violence while simply doing their jobs.
"Operation Percentile is already making a meaningful difference on the ground by targeting high harm repeat offenders. We strongly support this approach and welcome the Government's commitment to strengthening protections for frontline retail staff.
"Workplace Protection Orders are the key missing piece. They provide a clear legal mechanism to prevent known offenders from returning to stores where they've caused harm, helping to break the cycle of repeat offending.
"We look forward to working closely with the Government, police and stakeholders to bring these orders into effect as quickly as possible."
Shopping Centre Council of Australia (SCCA) Chief Executive Angus Nardi said:
"We commend Minister Cotsis and the NSW Government for taking strong action to prevent aggression and violence against workers in retail settings and sending a strong message that violent behaviour needs to stop".
"Our industry looks forward to engaging with the Government on developing the WPO model and legislation to ensure that it can be an effective and practical measure to help stamp out aggressive and violent behaviour."
