Australia’s retail sector is facing a disturbing surge in violence, with Bunnings and Kmart workers subjected to more than 1,000 physical assaults and threats every month, according to their parent company, Wesfarmers.
The alarming data was presented at the group’s annual general meeting in Perth, revealing a 66% increase in serious incidents at Bunnings and a 29% rise at Kmart in the past year.
Wesfarmers CEO Rob Scott told shareholders that the rise in customer aggression represents a “serious and growing crisis” within the retail sector. Over 13,500 incidents of threats and abuse were recorded across the company’s stores in just 12 months, with weapons involved in hundreds of those cases.
Retailers Call for Tougher Penalties
In response, Wesfarmers has boosted security at high-risk locations, equipped employees with body-worn cameras, and shared intelligence with police and other retailers. Scott called for nationally consistent laws to punish violent offenders and allow the responsible use of technology to ban repeat aggressors from stores.
“We support tougher penalties for violent retail crime and a national conversation about how technology can keep our workers safe,” he said.
The data also coincides with research by the Australian Retailers Association (ARA) and National Retail Association (NRA) showing Victoria has become Australia’s retail crime hotspot. Nearly 80% of Victorians expressed concern about shop-related crime, while 90% backed stronger penalties for offenders.
Government Under Pressure
Victorian Premier Jacinta Allan’s government has toughened bail laws, but critics argue it has failed to properly target repeat offenders who attack or threaten workers. Retail advocates warn that without decisive action, businesses risk losing staff to burnout and fear.
The escalation of violence reflects the wider cost-of-living pressures fuelling public frustration. With front-line retail workers bearing the brunt, national discussions are underway on how to better protect employees, reduce aggression in stores, and restore community safety.
