Protecting Our Retail Workers From Violence in Western Australian Shops
Dr Brian Walker discusses the Retail Barring Orders Bill, arguing that while legislative protection is vital, we must address the underlying causes of societal violence.
In my years as a GP, I have seen the human cost of violence first-hand. I have stood in emergency departments where the threat of physical harm was a daily reality. Recently, the Retail Barring Orders Bill 2025 came before the Legislative Council, bringing a critical issue into the light: the safety of those working on our front lines.
The reality of the shop floor
Retail workers are the heartbeat of our communities. They are often our young people starting their first jobs or local business owners trying to build a future. Yet, they are increasingly facing intimidation, abuse, and physical assault. When a person steps behind a counter, they should not have to calculate the risk to their personal safety. This is not just bureaucracy; it is a waiting room where the next victim is simply waiting to be harmed. While we debate the mechanics of barring orders, we must remember the sinking feeling of a worker who fears for their safety every time the automatic doors slide open.
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The limits of legislation
While I support measures to protect our workers, we must be honest about what this bill can and cannot achieve. We are creating new laws to manage downstream consequences, but we are failing to address the upstream causes. Why are we seeing such a rise in violent, antisocial behaviour? Legislation is a necessary tool, but it is not a cure. We cannot simply legislate away the values of individuals who have lost their connection to a respectful society. If we continue to treat the symptoms while ignoring the root causes—be it mental health, social exclusion, or a decay in community values—we will simply be managing a perpetual cycle of crisis.
A path forward
As a doctor and a legislator, I look at these problems with cold, clear eyes. We need to be proactive. We need to look at the education and social support systems that shape our community long before someone steps into a store with the intent to harm. I supported this legislation because our workers deserve immediate protection, but let us be clear: this is a band-aid, not a solution. We must do better for the future of our state.
To read the full debate from the House, you can view the official record here. If you believe in an evidence-based approach to policy and want to see real change, I invite you to join Legalise Cannabis WA and help us build a forward-thinking future.
