Woolworths Pushes Victoria for Workplace Protection Orders After Baseball Bat Fight

A baseball bat fight at Woolworths’ Kyabram store on July 20 has triggered calls for tougher workplace laws. Two men, aged 41 and 45, were charged with affray and intentionally causing injury after the violent confrontation near checkouts, with footage showing one striking the other while terrified customers and children fled. One man had been arrested at the same supermarket just 11 days earlier, highlighting what Woolworths says are the limits of existing banning notices.

What happened at the Kyabram store

The incident unfolded at 7 p.m. on July 20 when two men fought near the checkouts. One man struck the other with a baseball bat while customers and children scrambled to safety. A boy ran from the scene as a woman and child climbed over the checkout area to escape. The victim sustained non-life-threatening injuries but declined medical treatment and declined to make a statement to police. No other customers or Woolworths staff were injured.

Why one man was back in the store

One of the two men had been arrested at the same Kyabram Woolworths just 11 days before the baseball bat fight. Local business owner Miles Gould, who witnessed the earlier incident, told A Current Affair the man was “tasered multiple times, upwards of five, and he was pepper sprayed.” Despite being charged and released on bail after that first arrest, the man allegedly returned to the store the following morning after the July 20 fight, even though both men were banned from the premises.

Woolworths’ push for workplace protection orders

Woolworths head of violence prevention Sarah Faorlin said banning notices are not effective when repeat offenders return. The retailer is urging the Victorian government to introduce workplace protection orders as a matter of urgency. These orders would allow courts to prevent repeat offenders from entering certain workplaces. Woolworths welcomed the government’s move to bring in WPO legislation and increased penalties for violence, but called for swift passage of the laws across all states and territories.

Community frustration over bail laws

Miles Gould said residents were frustrated by repeated incidents in the town. “If the bail laws were what they were meant to be and strong, he wouldn’t be out in the community as often as he is,” Gould told A Current Affair. Both men were released on bail and are scheduled to appear at Echuca Magistrates’ Court. Police alleged the two men were known to each other. Opposition MP Jess Wilson blamed “Labor’s weak laws when it comes to crime,” while Labor maintains Victoria’s bail laws are the toughest in the nation.

Final Thoughts

The Kyabram incident exposes gaps in existing workplace protections when repeat offenders face bail conditions. Woolworths’ push for workplace protection orders reflects a broader frustration among retailers and communities over the ability to keep violent individuals away from public spaces.

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