Helen Polley (Tasmania, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Link to this | Hansard source

I rise tonight to speak about an issue that goes to the very heart of Labor's values: protecting workers and ensuring safe workplaces. Across Australia, and particularly in my home state of Tasmania, retail workers are facing an unacceptable rise in violence and aggression. This is not just a workplace issue; it's a community issue and it is one that the Albanese Labor government is determined to address.

The statistics are alarming. In Tasmania, Woolworths reported 375 incidents in 2024. That's 15 per cent more than in 2023 and 65 incidents per 100,000 people, making Tasmania one of the worst states for this type of violence per capita. Even more concerning is the nature of these incidents. Edged weapons, including knives, were presented 30 times in Tasmanian stores last year. Nationally, retailers reported more than 6,100 violent and aggressive incidents. That's a more than 25 per cent increase on 2023. Today across Australia, retailers, including pharmacies and fast food stores, are seeing an average of 450 cases every month. Behind these numbers are real people—workers who deserve respect and, very importantly, deserve to be safe at work. No-one should fear for their life while stacking shelves or serving customers.

The Albanese Labor government has always stood for safer workplaces. We have strengthened workplace health and safety laws, invested in mental health support and worked closely with unions and industry to tackle emerging risks. Our approach is clear: violence and abuse are never part of your job and never acceptable. That's why Labor supports initiatives like workplace protection orders—a practical proven tool to keep workers safe. I congratulate the work that has been done in South Australia and in New South Wales. I'm calling on the Liberal state government in Tasmania to take action on this issue. These orders allow employers to apply for legally enforceable protection on behalf of their staff, reducing harm and easing pressure on police resources. In the ACT, the WPOs have delivered a nearly 100 per cent reduction in reoffending. These laws are actually working—a 100 per cent reduction. Those who offended aren't reoffending. South Australia and Western Australia are moving forward with similar measures, and discussions are underway in other jurisdictions. Labor backs this kind of reform—evidence based, worker focused and effective.

Despite this, in my home state of Tasmania, the state Liberal government is working its hardest to show us what the Liberal government do their best—that is when they neglect Australian workers. That's what they do. Even some of the worst stats in the country—the Tasmanian Liberal government neglects the working class, ignores the hardworking members of unions and rejects. That's what they do. They reject it. They have known for some time. Crime is increasing in Tasmania. The effort of the SDA—I congratulate them. They are there fighting for their workers. They should be safe when they go to work. I commend them for the work that they're doing.

We know that it's in the DNA of Liberals, whether they're in the state parliament or they're in the federal parliament. They hate unions. Too many of them probably never met a worker. They don't go to work sites. They don't prioritise the people to keep this country running. I, for one, have always backed the SDA's campaign No One Deserves a Serve. This campaign has helped shine a light on the abuse and violence retail and fast-food workers face every day. It reminds us all that respect is not optional; it should be a right. I'd also like to thank the national secretary, Gerard Dwyer, as well as our local secretary, Joel Tynan—that's the Tasmanian secretary—for their leadership and the way that they're prepared to work, to protect Australian workers. That union has been at the forefront of discussions with the South Australian government, Western Australian government and the New South Wales government. It's just a shame the Tasmanian Liberal government have a closed door. (Time expired)