The Community and Public Sector Union (CPSU) welcomes the proposed Commonwealth Protection Orders legislation introduced into federal Parliament today.
The Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill would enable Commonwealth workplaces to apply for protection orders on behalf of workers to protect them from harm and threats of harm.
If passed, this legislation would ensure that services delivered by the Commonwealth can be accessed by the public in a safe environment and deter violence and aggression against Commonwealth workers.
The proposed Act would empower courts to make Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders and impose any conditions it considers necessary or desirable to prevent further personal violence by the respondent.
Quotes attributable to Melissa Donnelly, CPSU National Secretary:
"Frontline Commonwealth workers, such as those in Services Australia, the Australian Electoral Commission, Border Force, and the National Disability Insurance Agency play a critical role in providing essential support to Australians, in sometimes challenging circumstances.
"The reality is that these staff deal with incidents of physical violence, threats and verbal abuse in the course of their work.
"It's crucial that staff are able to be safe from any acts of violence and threats to their safety.
"By implementing better security protections, this legislation will also improve the safety of community members accessing services.
"The CPSU has been pleased to see this groundbreaking legislation introduced to prioritise worker safety as an integral part of public service delivery. "
