People who attack workers or damage property could be banned from workplaces for up to 12 months under draft laws now open for public consultation.
Deputy Premier and Attorney-General Guy Barnett has released the Tasmanian government’s draft Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2026.
Under the draft bill, the Magistrates Court could stop a person from entering or going within a set distance of a workplace or impose other conditions.
An order could be made if the person had been violent or damaged property and there was a serious risk they would do it again.
The orders would apply to people of all ages.
The scheme uses a broad definition of workplace that includes volunteer groups. It would also cover violence arising from physical, electronic or online interaction.
Barnett said the orders would work like a restraining order and apply to every workplace in Tasmania, including the public sector.
“Violence has no place anywhere in our community and all Tasmanians have a right to feel safe, especially when they go to work,” he said.
“No one should have to put up with violence or threats simply for doing their job, that’s why we are sending a strong message that criminal and anti-social behaviour will not be tolerated.”
According to Barnett, the draft laws were prompted by feedback from the hospitality, retail and services sectors. He said those sectors had seen an increase in violence, intimidation and harassment.
The orders would add to existing trespass laws and police move-on powers. Barnett said similar laws had recently been introduced in the ACT and South Australia.
In 2024, parliament passed laws introduced by Barnett creating a presumption of a minimum six-month jail sentence for offences causing serious bodily harm to frontline workers.
Barnett said the government wanted feedback from the public, industry, unions and employers.
“We want to get this reform right and ensure it strikes the right balance between protecting workers, providing practical tools for businesses and upholding the rights of those subject to an order,” he said.
Consultation is open until midnight on November 1 through the Department of Justice website. The government aims to introduce and debate the bill before Christmas.
