Motion: Attempt to Introduce: Magistrates' Court Amendment (Workplace Protection) Bill 2026

MOTION:

‘ATTEMPT TO INTRODUCE: MAGISTRATES’ COURT AMENDMENT (WORKPLACE PROTECTION) BILL 2026’.

Wednesday, 29 June 2026

Mr NEWBURY (Brighton) (09:36):

I move:

That I introduce a Bill for an Act to amend the Magistrates’ Court Act 1989 to provide for the Magistrates’ Court to make orders to prevent and reduce unacceptable conduct engaged in by members of the public in certain workplaces and for other purposes.

In the last year retail workplaces have seen 30,000 incidents of theft and, for the workers in those workplaces, 5,000 incidents of assault. That is an average of 13 a day across Victoria. And what has this Government done? Nothing. 250 days ago, in this place we tried to change the law, and every Labor Member of Parliament voted against it when we tried to change the law and include workplace protection orders.

What have we seen today? We have seen a stuntish Premier propose to change the law around workplace protection orders. But you have got to read the fine detail with this guy, because what he said is that he might do something in 350 days’ time. What does that mean? Well, firstly, he will not be Premier. But secondly, it means that, if we look at the last year, 5,000 people will be assaulted. Think that through – 5,000 people. That is why the Liberals and Nationals urgently propose to introduce a workplace protection scheme – guess when – today. We will make sure that it is in place the second it receives royal assent, because we tried 250 days ago.

I acknowledge the work of the Member for Caulfield, who at the time did a power of work to make sure that 250 days ago we had a scheme ready to introduce into this place, which the new Premier voted against. At the time he was sitting next to the former Premier, and together they voted against this proposal. Then today, in a performative way, he announces a workplace protection scheme that will not come into place for a year. Where is the Bill? Where is their Bill? We have a proposed set of laws today.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: The Member for Polwarth is warned.

Anthony Carbines: On a point of order, Speaker, I just note that given where we are at here, the point of order that I am raising is on relevance in relation to the matters before the House. I do not consider the matters to be relevant.

Members interjecting.

The SPEAKER: Order! This is about the introduction of a Bill, not about the bill per se. The Member for Brighton to continue.

James NEWBURY: Of course, I can also give background and illustrate why it is so urgent. I can understand why a Government without a Bill would be offended that we have one – because they are embarrassed. It is urgent that we introduce a Bill and change the law to protect retail workers today. If this Bill is introduced into this place, we commit to putting it through the Parliament with speed. We will see later today, when it comes to other Bills, how the Government is very quick at passing Bills that it wants to. So, we say on workplace protection orders: if this Government is proposing a set of laws that do not come into place for another year, well, firstly, I would hope by the good grace of Victorians they are not in Government, but secondly, it means 5,000 retail workers will be assaulted.

Roma Britnell interjected.

James NEWBURY: Or more – absolutely. That is why we have a Bill. It is urgent. It is here on the table. We are ready to pass this today, and we ask this Government not to vote against these measures twice. What hypocrites you would be if you were to vote against this twice. Pass it right now, today.