"Retailers call for respectful talks on Voice amid aggression fears", 18 September 2023

The boss of the Australian Retailers Association has urged respectful debate on the Indigenous Voice to parliament referendum, saying instances where customers have taken retail workers to task over their employers’ views on the issue are unacceptable.

The association on Monday said the referendum “has added a new dimension to customer aggression and anti-social behaviour in the retail environment, exacerbating concerns about the mental and emotional well-being of some frontline retail workers”.

“We understand there are different views in the community about the Voice and the referendum,” Australian Retailers Association chief Paul Zahra said.

“Sadly, some consumers have taken retail workers to task about the position held by their employers, which is completely unacceptable.”

Concerns about aggression towards retail workers have been rising in recent months. The association last week said tougher penalties should be introduced in Victoria, Queensland, Western Australia, Tasmania and the ACT against people who assault retail workers.

[...]