200 shopping centres across Australia are more thoroughly prepared for emerging threats such as terrorism or armed attacks following the completion of the Safe Retail Precincts initiative.
The program, which was run by the National Retail Association, engaged and informed retailers about how to prepare for serious events that threaten the safety of staff, customers and the community.
The messaging in the program is in line with the Australian National Security's guidelines of Escape, Hide and Tell.
NRA policy director David Stout said that the program has been positively received by retailers.
"The National Retail Association has successfully engaged 200 shopping centres via the Safe Retail Precincts initiative on how to respond to threats such as terrorism or armed attack.
"The aim is to improve the safety and reputation of retail precincts and we have received overwhelmingly positive feedback to date.
"Retail precincts are environments in which large crowds gather and we have a responsibility to be aware, prepared and vigilant to ensure our retail precincts remain safe, vibrant spaces.
"Retail precincts are attractive, lively environments in which people gather in mass numbers and we all have a role to play in helping to ensure the safety of our team, our customers and our precincts are maintained as safe vibrant spaces.
"The safety of the 1.3 million staff that retail employs across Australia is paramount to us, as is the wellbeing of everyday shoppers who should not experience threats of any nature to their safety," he said.
The Safe Retail Precincts initative is a partnership with the Australian Government that brings together retailers, shopping centres, law enforcement, emergency services and government to create safer retail environments.