SENATOR THE HON KATY GALLAGHER
MINISTER FOR FINANCE
MINISTER FOR WOMEN
MINISTER FOR THE PUBLIC SERVICE
MINISTER FOR GOVERNMENT SERVICES

TONY BURKE MP 
MINISTER FOR HOME AFFAIRS 
MINISTER FOR IMMIGRATION AND CITIZENSHIP 
MINISTER FOR CYBER SECURITY 
MINISTER FOR THE ARTS 

Protecting Australia’s Commonwealth workers

The Albanese Labor Government has strengthened protections for Commonwealth workers and workplaces against acts of violence or aggression from members of the public.

Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders address the significant workplace health and safety risks faced by workers, particularly those in frontline service delivery roles.

In May 2023, a staff member was left with serious injuries after being stabbed at a Services Australia service centre. Earlier this year, two Australian Border Force contractors were also seriously assaulted with a knife while carrying out their duties.

The legislation gives courts the power to issue a Commonwealth Workplace Protection Order to protect a worker or workplace from threats of violence, or actual harm. The orders aim to prevent future violence from happening.

Breaching the conditions of a Workplace Protection Order is a criminal offence punishable by up to two years in prison and/or a fine of 120 penalty units. 

Quotes attributable to the Minister for Government Services, Senator the Hon Katy Gallagher:

“This Bill is about making sure our frontline government workers who serve Australians every day can do their jobs without fear for their safety.”

“This legislation delivers on the Security Risk Management Review’s call for stronger protections, by putting real protections in place for all Commonwealth workers.”

“The Australian Government remains committed to implementing all recommendations of the Security Risk Management Review – about half of the 44 recommendations have now been completed and good progress is being made on the rest.”

Quotes attributable to Minister for Home Affairs, Tony Burke:

"I hope we never have to use these powers. All I want is for people to be treated decently when they’re at work. Anyone who deals with a public servant should be capable of that.”