The SDA condemns the violent stabbing of a retail worker at Woolworths Bairnsdale.

An SDA member at Woolworths Bairnsdale was stabbed while working last night. The worker remains in a serious condition in hospital following what police have described as a series of random, violent attacks in the area.

The SDA's priority is the welfare and wellbeing of our member who was critically injured in the Bairnsdale attack.

SDA Victorian Secretary Michael Donovan said, “This terrible incident is yet another reminder of the vulnerability of frontline retail workers in an era of ever increasing instances of customer violence and abuse which have been on the rise since the COVID pandemic.”

We continue to urge shopping centre operators, major retailers, and Victoria Police to increase in-store and precinct security to better protect both staff and the public.

The SDA has already welcomed the Victorian government's decision to immediately ban machetes, but this incident is a reminder that other blades are too readily accessible.

It is now overdue for action to be taken requiring knives and other bladed items to be secured until the point of sale.

SDA Victorian Secretary Michael Donovan said, “Our thoughts are with our member who was stabbed at work serving the community and also with our other members who are distressed following this attack on their fellow worker.”

Quotes attributable to Michael Donovan, SDA Union Victorian Secretary:

“The SDA's priority is the welfare and wellbeing of our member who was critically injured in the Bairnsdale attack.”

“This terrible incident is yet another reminder of the vulnerability of frontline retail workers in an era of ever increasing instances of customer violence and abuse which have been on the rise since the COVID pandemic.”

“Steps must be taken by employers and the authorities to improve worker safety in shops and shopping centres.”

“The SDA has already welcomed the Victorian government's decision to immediately ban machetes, but this incident is a reminder that other blades are too readily accessible.”

“It is now overdue for action to be taken requiring knives and other bladed items to be secured until the point of sale.”

“The safety of staff and shoppers demands it”

Contact Jim Middleton: 0418 627 066