Shops and businesses will be able to ban violent and aggressive people from the premises under a new law about to come into effect just in time for the busy Christmas period.
The new law allows employers or shopping centres to apply through the courts to ban violent adults for up to two years, or 12 months for children.
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A court order will make the ban enforceable by WA Police and persistent breaches could result in up to five years’ imprisonment, Attorney General Tony Buti said.
He said retail workers and shoppers are entitled to safely go about their business without encountering threats, violence and anti-social behaviour.
“That’s why we introduced a new offence for assaults on retail workers with tough penalties and have now passed legislation to keep thugs away from stores,” Mr Buti said.
Major retailers believe the laws will make a difference.
Woolworths’ WA stores reported over 850 incidents of violence in 2025 - a 25 per cent increase compared to the previous year.
“We know these laws work,” Woolworths head of violence prevention Sarah Faorlin said.
“In the ACT, there has been a 92 per cent reduction in re-offending among repeat offenders subject to an order, and South Australia has achieved a 100 per cent reduction.
“The safety of our team and our customers is always our number one priority, and we thank the WA Government for delivering these crucial protections for retail workers.
“Our team members across Western Australia - many of whom are in their very first job - should never have to face abuse, threats, or violence simply for doing their jobs and serving their local community.”