The Christmas lights are up, the summer heat is kicking in (kind of), and our local shopping strips are buzzing. From the major hubs in Traralgon and Warragul to the busy holiday spots of Inverloch, Cowes, and Lakes Entrance, the rush is well and truly on.
But new data suggests that for the people behind the counter, the "most wonderful time of the year" has become the most dangerous.
A shocking new survey released by the SDA (the union for retail, fast food, and warehouse workers) has revealed that abuse against staff has reached epidemic levels. For Gippsland—a region that prides itself on community spirit—these numbers are a confronting wake-up call.
The Sobering Statistics
The survey of nearly 3,000 workers paints a grim picture of what a "day at the office" looks like for retail staff. It is not just about impatient sighs or rude comments anymore; the level of aggression has spiked dramatically.
Key findings from the past 12 months include:
- 88% of workers have experienced verbal abuse.
- 25% have been subjected to physical violence. This figure has doubled since 2023 and is three times higher than in 2021.
- 34% of members say they simply do not feel safe in their workplace.
- 10% have been spat on.
Perhaps most concerning for our diverse local communities is the rise in targeted hate. 31% of workers reported experiencing abuse or harassment related to their ethnicity, race, or cultural background—a significant jump from 24% in 2023.
These Are Our Neighbours
It is easy to disassociate when we hear national statistics, but in regional areas like ours, anonymity doesn’t exist.
Whether you are grabbing a coffee in Wonthaggi, grocery shopping in Sale, or picking up gifts in Bairnsdale, the person serving you isn't a stranger. They are our local teenagers working their first summer shifts, our neighbours, and our parents.
The people filling these Retail and Hospitality jobs in Gippsland are the backbone of our local economy, and they deserve to go to work without fear.
SDA National Secretary Gerard Dwyer put it best:
“These workers are members of our local communities... Shoppers need to do better, and what better time to start than Christmas.”
The Push for Victorian Laws
While changing customer behaviour is step one, the union is also calling for legislative muscle to protect local workers.
The SDA is urging the Victorian Government to introduce Workplace Protection Orders (WPOs). These operate similarly to AVOs but are specific to retail premises, allowing stores in places like Moe, Leongatha, and Orbost to ban repeat offenders for up to 12 months.
Why WPOs matter:
- They work: In the ACT, Woolworths reported a 23% reduction in total offending after imposing orders on just 13 "high harm" offenders.
- They target the problem: Reliable estimates suggest that 10% of repeat offenders are responsible for 60% of retail crime.
- No burden on police: Retailers apply for them through the courts, not the police.
While the Victorian Government has committed to introducing WPOs, there is currently no time frame. With physical violence doubling in just a year, the pressure is on to act fast.
A Christmas Request
As we head into the final frantic weeks of December, the message is simple: Keep your cool.
We know the car parks are full and the lines are long. But if we want to support the growth of Retail and Hospitality jobs in Gippsland and keep our town centres thriving, we need to treat the workers with respect.
Let’s make sure that this Christmas is remembered for our country hospitality, not for contributing to these shameful statistics.