New regulations to protect Victorian workers from harassment

New Regulations to Protect Victorian Workers From Harassment

Victoria's Government is set to implement enhanced measures aimed at safeguarding retail workers from assault and abuse, with new regulations to protect Victorian workers from harassment forming a central part of the reform package.

Premier Jacinta Allan has revealed that her Government will be amending laws to firmly convey that violence towards retail staff and other customer-facing professionals in sectors like transportation and hospitality will not be accepted. These new laws respond directly to serious health and safety hazards frontline workers face daily, including physical assault, verbal abuse and other workplace hazards that put employees at risk.

"These new laws will send a powerful message: if you think you can get away with assaulting or abusing these workers – you're wrong and you will face the consequences," Ms Allan said.

"These workers deserve nothing but our respect. And we're going to help make sure they get it."

Why These Protections Matter for Victorian Workplaces

Retail, hospitality and transport employees regularly encounter hazards linked to public-facing roles, ranging from aggressive customers to escalating confrontations. Addressing such hazards through legislation reinforces broader health obligations already placed on employers under existing workplace safety frameworks.

Employers across Victoria should review current safety documentation to ensure alignment with these regulatory changes. Businesses seeking guidance on strengthening internal policies may find it useful to consult resources such as a Sexual Harassment Policy, which supports organisations in maintaining safer, more respectful workplaces.

This latest reform follows a pattern of targeted legislative action across Australia designed to protect workers from emerging occupational risks. Similar efforts include new regulations protecting Victorian workers from crystalline silica dust exposure, alongside new codes of practice protecting workers in Queensland.

Supporting a Safer Working Environment

Beyond legislative change, employers carry ongoing responsibility for identifying and managing hazards within their own operations. Practical steps include:

• Reviewing incident reporting procedures for customer-facing staff
• Updating internal policies to reflect new legal expectations
• Providing training on de-escalation and hazard recognition
• Ensuring health and safety documentation stays current

Organisations expanding safety documentation across multiple sites may benefit from exploring a New Document template to streamline compliance efforts.

Additional information is available here.