We are calling on the Victorian Government to act and require retailers to secure all bladed items, including kitchen knives, until purchased.
This comes in response to growing concerns over knife-related incidents in stores, following a serious attack on a supermarket worker in Queensland by an individual using a promotion knife taken from a display in a Coles Supermarket.
Secretary Michael Donovan has emphasised that while machetes are often the focus of crime laws, knives and other bladed tools pose similar risks.
The SDA urges the Premier to legislate changes to ensure retail workers and customers are better protected from potential harm.
While recent government measures address machete sales and increase police search powers, the SDA believes further action is necessary to ensure comprehensive safety. By securing knives in retail spaces, the risk of violence and misuse can be better avoided.
The SDA is committed to pushing for these changes to guarantee safer work environments for all retail workers across Victoria.
More must be done to prioritise the safety of workers at the forefront of the retail industry.
