Retailers have identified knives and blades as a weapon of choice in retail crime, triggering calls from the sector to cut red tape around wanding and increase restrictions on knife sales.
Data recently released by retail crime intelligence software company Auror revealed knives and blades made up over 50 per cent of all events involving weapons last year.
National Retail Association Interim CEO Lindsay Carroll said Queensland's Jack's Law is a model for how other states could be proactive and "take the weapon out of the hands" of these criminals.
"Retail criminals are increasingly using knives as an intimidation tactic. Without action from governments, these criminals will continue to offend until someone gets hurt.
"These recidivist offenders have clocked on to the fact that retail workers will immediately disengage under the threat of a knife, making it easier for them carry out other offences.
"We need policymakers to unlock police wanding powers without a warrant to turn the tables on these violent offenders and keep retail precincts safe," she said.
Data from Australian retailers also showed recorded events involving knives and blades were up by more than 40 per cent in 2024, compared to the previous year.
ARA Chief Industry Affairs Officer Fleur Brown said retail crime has become more brazen, more violent and more organised, with a growing impact on frontline workers, customers, and their communities.
"Small businesses are particularly at-risk, with offenders often choosing to target more vulnerable traders. However, this is a widespread issue affecting the entire sector, causing significant emotional and financial harm and in some tragic cases physical harm.
"We acknowledge the progress many state and territory governments have made strides in this area to address retail crime. The Victorian Government's recent proposal to restrict the sale of machetes in the state is a great example. However, so much more needs to be done," she said.
The National Retail Association and Australian Retailers Association are focused on advocating for governments to implement proven measures that improve the safety of retail workers, such as the introduction of workplace protection orders, strengthened police search powers to remove knives and dangerous weapons from the streets.
"While the ARA commends the Victorian Government for recent steps to tackle retail crime, including the proposal for machete bans, enhanced police search powers, we continue to call for a clear timeline for the implementation of these measures to protect retail workers and bring Victorian safeguards in line with other states," Ms Brown said.
"Retailers across Australia are counting on the states to work in lock step with one another to restrict access to the knifes, machetes and blades so they don't fall into the wrong hands. This initiative will save lives," Ms Carroll said.
"Retail crime is a focus of the NRA and ARA's election advocacy campaign, as we call on policymakers at all levels of government to invest in the safety of a sector that employs 1.4 million Australians and generates $430 billion annually."
