The Australian Retail Council (ARC) is urging the Western Australian Parliament to fast-track its Retail Barring Orders legislation to the Legislative Council amid rising retail crime.
The new legislation would give police and courts the power to ban repeat offenders from retail premises for up to two years, which the ARC claims will help to prevent further incidents before they occur. A breach of an order would attract penalties of up to five years’ imprisonment.
ARC CEO Chris Rodwell said the legislation has already passed the Legislative Assembly and has strong support from retailers across the state, but must be prioritised by the Government.
"It’s critical the WA Parliament fast-track legislation to better protect retail workers from repeat offenders,” Rodwell said.
“A small cohort of repeat offenders are responsible for a disproportionate share of incidents, including abuse, threats and violence against staff.
“Retail workers are on the frontline of this every day. They should not have to wait any longer than necessary for stronger protections.”
This comes as the number of reported assaults against non-family persons in Western Australia has hit a record high in 2025 compared to recent years. The WA Government’s crime statistics portal shows that there were 18,120 non-family assaults in 2025. This has steadily risen since 2019, when it was 12,200.
Threatening behaviour has also been steadily rising since 2019.
Rodwell said interim barring orders should also be available alongside the new laws, providing immediate protection for retail staff while full orders are progressed through the courts.
Rodwell said the sector is ready to support implementation.
“Retailers are ready to work with government and law enforcement to implement these laws as soon as they are passed,” he said.
“Every day this is held up, retail workers remain exposed to repeat offenders who should be banned from stores and shopping centres.
“These measures are already in place in other jurisdictions and are helping to curb repeat offending and improve safety for retail workers. We look forward to seeing this legislation progressed as a priority.”