An alternative strategy has emerged to address the rising tide of violence and abuse faced by employees and shoppers in retail environments across Victoria. With incidents of retail crime escalating by more than 20 percent over the past year, the issue has taken centre stage in political discussions ahead of the November 2026 state election.
Opposition Leader Brad Battin has placed the blame for this surge squarely on the current Allan government, arguing that they have failed to protect both shoppers and retail workers. Battin has proposed funding for an additional 200 protective service officers to bolster security in shopping centres, stating, “Labor did nothing in over a decade to protect shoppers and retail workers.” He added that his administration would deploy protective service officers in malls while ensuring their presence at train stations for commuter safety.
The coalition’s plan resonates with some initiatives already introduced by the Labor government, such as workplace protection orders designed to prevent abusive offenders from entering shops. However, Battin’s proposal includes a novel digital platform enabling employees and employers to report incidents of abuse and upload evidence directly within the Victoria Police system.
Recent events have underscored the urgency of these measures. In September, a violent knife fight between rival gangs at Melbourne’s Northland Shopping Centre sent patrons fleeing and prompted the government to expedite a temporary ban on machete sales. Other shopping centres have also witnessed similar outbreaks of violence, raising concerns about safety in retail spaces.
In response to escalating crime, Premier Jacinta Allan has maintained that Melbourne remains a safe city. Nevertheless, she shifted her strategy last week, announcing a series of initiatives aimed at addressing the 15.7 percent increase in offences reported statewide for the year ending mid-2025. Her government has committed to implementing stricter penalties for young offenders, those who recruit minors for criminal activities, and individuals who threaten or assault customer-facing workers.
Among the announced measures are plans to trial protective service officers, who typically monitor train stations, in Melbourne shopping centres during the summer months. Additionally, the government will invest in 842 handheld metal detectors to detect knives and machetes in these high-traffic areas.
The police union has expressed skepticism regarding these plans. Union leader Wayne Gatt criticized the government’s proposal, describing it as a “brain fart” masquerading as policy. In contrast, Prime Minister Anthony Albanese has publicly supported the government’s comprehensive crime crackdown, aligning it with the premier’s commitment to ensuring the safety of Victorians.
As the November election approaches, the debate over how best to combat retail crime continues to evolve, reflecting broader concerns regarding public safety and the protection of vulnerable workers within the retail industry.
