Victoria has introduced a new workplace protection order (WPO) that allows courts to ban or limit an offender’s access to a particular workplace if they assault, abuse, intimidate or stalk a retail, fast-food, hospitality, or transport worker.

Violating this order could mean spending up to two years behind bars, or a fine up to $50,000.

Premier Ben Carroll, in his first full day in office, returned to his first place of employment, Kmart, to announce the legislation.

“These new powers will protect workers, stop repeat offenders, and make it clear that this behaviour won’t be tolerated,” he said.

Under the proposed scheme, listed retail and transport operators, as well as employee unions will be able to apply for the 12-month bans through the Magistrates’ and Children’s Courts for a WPO.

Despite being tabled on July 29, 2026, these laws are not scheduled to take effect until July 26, 2027.

This timeline sparked immediate political dispute, with the Liberal opposition labelling the new premier as “two-faced.”

Opposition leader Jess Wilson revealed the Coalition introduced its own urgent safety laws that same morning that would enact immediate protections, however Labor voted it down in favour for its own laws which won’t be put in place until July 2027.

“The New Premier stood up and said one of his first acts would be to provide Workplace Protection Orders … yet an hour later he walked into the parliament and voted against the legislation … that would provide those protections immediately,” Wilson said.

The opposition has argued the government’s delayed rollout will leave frontline staff unnecessarily exposed.

Photo: By Donaldytong found HERE and is used under a Creative Commons Licence. This image has not been modified.