Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2025; Second Reading

Opened the debate

Burke moved the second reading of the bill, arguing it was essential to protect Commonwealth workers from increasing violence and aggression. Burke cited the assault on Joeanne Cassar at a Services Australia branch as a catalyst for the legislation, noting that staff faced nearly 1,700 serious incidents between July 2023 and July 2024. The bill implements recommendation 17 of the Services Australia Security Risk Management Review, which was conducted by former Victoria Police commissioner Graham Ashton. Burke stated the government committed to implementing all 44 recommendations from that review to enhance worker safety.

Government response

Burke explained that the bill creates a framework for Commonwealth entities to apply for court orders against individuals posing a risk of personal violence. Burke detailed that orders could include conditions such as prohibiting contact with workers or restricting attendance at specific workplaces, while ensuring respondents can still access essential services. The legislation covers all Commonwealth workplaces, including mobile services and remote work locations, and allows for urgent interim orders when necessary. Breaching an order would be a criminal offence punishable by up to two years' imprisonment or 120 penalty units.