The Commonwealth Workplace Protection Orders Bill 2024 introduces significant new protections for Commonwealth frontline workers who deliver essential government services. The legislation responds to growing concerns about worker safety, with Services Australia alone recording 1,692 serious incidents across its face-to-face services between July 2023 and June 2024.

Under the new laws, workplace protection orders (WPOs) can be issued against individuals who cause or threaten harm to Commonwealth workers or workplaces. These orders can restrict access to specific Commonwealth workplaces or contact with workers, while ensuring alternative arrangements for people to continue accessing essential government services. Breaching a WPO can result in up to two years imprisonment.

The reform implements a key recommendation from the Services Australia Security Risk Management Review, commissioned after a serious attack on a staff member in May 2023. The Government has committed $314.1 million in the 2024-25 Budget to improve safety and security at Services Australia's service centres, demonstrating its commitment to protecting the 170,000 Commonwealth public servants, including 100,000 operational staff working in frontline roles.

[1] https://www.aph.gov.au/Parliamentary_Business/Bills_Legislation/bd/bd2425/25bd043\

[2] https://ministers.ag.gov.au/media-centre/albanese-government-introduces-new-protections-commonwealth-frontline-workers-27-11-2024