NSW introduces workplace protection orders
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New legislation prohibiting and punishing personal violence offences in the workplace is set to be introduced to the NSW Parliament in October.
Minister for Industrial Relations and Minister for Work Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Police and Counter-terrorism and Minister for the Hunter Yasmin Catley, and NSW Attorney-General Michael Daley have proposed legislation that will initially take effect in retail workplaces, pending extension to further public-facing workplaces as needed.
The workplace protection orders (WPOs) will target assault, threats, stalking, harassment, and intimidation of workers and will give courts the power to implement the duration and conditions deemed necessary for the protection of employees.
Minister Cotsis said: “The Minns Labor government has zero tolerance for violence and abuse towards workers, and these laws have been designed to protect workers who are simply doing their jobs.”
“Workers have the right to feel safe at work, and these protections are an important step in our commitment to creating safer workplaces.”
Minister Catley said: “No one should have to put on a uniform, walk through the doors of their workplace and fear what might happen to them for doing their job.”
The orders will apply to offenders aged 14 and over, with any breach punishable by up to two years’ imprisonment and/or a $5,500 penalty.
Businesses that operate under the Work Health and Safety Act 2011, as well as business groups, unions and health and safety representatives, will be able to seek a WPO on behalf of one or more workers with their authorisation.
The legislation follows consultation with employers, law enforcement, government agencies, unions, and legal stakeholders, and builds on existing operations by the NSW Police, which have charged more than 1,300 people with such offences.
The government is also working with SafeWork NSW, the Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees Association (SDA), and retailers to address worker harassment and ensure compliance.
Attorney-General Daley said: “Violence against workers is never acceptable. These tough new laws will crack down on offenders who harass, intimidate and abuse someone who is simply trying to do their job.”
The laws are expected to come into effect within 12 months of their passage to allow for education and system adjustments.
RELATED TERMS
An employee is a person who has signed a contract with a company to provide services in exchange for pay or benefits. Employees vary from other employees like contractors in that their employer has the legal authority to set their working conditions, hours, and working practises.
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