The legislation aims to protect workers against sex-based discrimination, harassment, and attitudes that lead to domestic and family violence. A new aggregating sentencing factor when an individual inflicts violence against a worker has been included in the laws.
“I will always do what matters to ensure Queensland workers have safe and productive workplaces,” Premier Steven Miles said in a statement.
“My message to Queenslanders is simple – we hear you, we see you, and we will do what matters to protect you.”
Paul Zahra, the outgoing CEO of the Australian Retailers Association, said businesses across the state would welcome these changes.
“This has been an important area of advocacy, and we welcome Queensland’s commitment to workplace safety that will see harsher penalties for offenders who assault people at work,” he said.
“While this legislation is a step in the right direction, we want to see harsher penalties for people committing violence in retail-specific work settings. No one should go to work fearing for their safety, but unfortunately, this is the reality for many retail workers.”
The new laws include a positive duty on employers to take reasonable and proportionate measures to eliminate discrimination, sexual harassment and other unlawful conduct under the Anti-Discrimination Act 1991.
Lindsay Carroll, interim CEO of the National Retail Association, suggested that more progress needs to be made.
“NSW, SA and WA have set the benchmark by adding harsher penalties for offenders committing violence against retail workers specifically,” she said.
“We would like Queensland to follow this model.”
These reforms build on recommendations from several reports, including the Australian Human Rights Commission’s Respect@Work Report and the Queensland Human Rights Commission’s Building Belonging Report.
More reading
Critical sales events on the horizon for Aussie jewellery retailers
Turning point: Sentence handed down for high-profile jewellery store robbery
Peace of mind: Western Australian retailers benefit from new legal protection
Enough is enough: New Zealand retailers demand help
Luxury retailer raided by thieves twice in six months
Jewellery businesses targeted by criminals at historically high rate