NSW government announces support package for Bondi Westfield workers and businesses

Bondi Junction solemn as doors re-open after stabbing attack

The NSW Government announced a package supporting workers and businesses impacted by the Bondi Junction Westfield tragedy.

Shortly after shops closed following the first day of trading since last weekend’s stabbing rampage, the Minister for Industrial Relations announced measures designed to help the community get back on it’s feet after almost a week of closures.

Sophie Cotsis, also the Minister for Work Health and Safety, has tasked SafeWork NSW with creating a package “of psychological health and safety support for businesses with fewer than 200 employees”.

As shoppers begin to return to the centre, they are being urged to be sensitive to retail workers.

“Please be kind, gentle and sensitive to workers and shop owners today and in the days to come,” Cotsis said in a statement on Friday evening.

“Everyone reacts to these moments in different ways and some workers may find it difficult to return to work.

“Many retail workers are under the age of 25 and it’s vital we listen to them and learn from them what more we can do to support them now and into the future.”

On Monday, the minister will meet with major insurers for “a roundtable to ensure any compensation claims are dealt with promptly and empathetically”.

“Businesses may be able to access business interruption insurance, while workers may be entitled to make workers compensation claims,” the statement on Friday night said.

“Workers compensation insurance may cover lost income, along with medical and rehabilitation expenses, if an employee experiences a work-related injury, including psychological injuries.”

Mental health counsellors also remain in-person at Bondi Junction, largely around Oxford Street Mall, and will continue as long as needed the government said.

The shopping centre had remained closed since Joel Cauchi, 40, embarked on his attack last Saturday afternoon, killing six people.

The shopping centre had remained closed since Joel Cauchi, 40, embarked on his attack last Saturday afternoon, killing six people.

Police closed the crime scene there early this week but operators Scentre Group opted to hold off the resumption of trading.

Industrial Relations Minister Sophie Cotsis told 2GB’s Ben Fordham that retail workers were serving hundreds of people so it was important to remember to be kind, gentle and compassionate.

“I don’t want to hear that these workers are being asked many times to relive their trauma,” Cotsis said.

“There will be workers who are on shift… and they won’t be able to go back to work.

“I want to say to those workers that there is support… they will be able to access workers’ compensation for the trauma that they have suffered.”

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Flowers and tributes have piled up outside, including a wreath laid by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, and flowers and a message from opposition leader Peter Dutton.

The centre opened yesterday for a “day of reflection”, with members of the public allowed inside to pay their respects, but no shops were open and the digital advertising screens showed only black ribbons as a mark of mourning.

Today, though, as Sydney resumes its normal pace, normal trading hours will resume from 9.30am to 6pm.

Some stores may remain closed by choice.

“Since the tragedy last Saturday, our priority has been engaging with the victims’ families, those directly impacted and the community on how to respond,” Scentre Group CEO Elliott Rusanow said yesterday.

“We have been engaging directly with our business partners throughout this period to support them, including providing counselling and mental health support.”

There will be an increased security presence on-site, including extra police, while security guards will be given stab-proof vests.

The centre will also remain quiet, with no loud music and no advertising, at least for today.

Scentre Group announced yesterday it would waive the past week’s rent for all tenants of the shopping centre.

Retail workers can contact SafeWork NSW for assistance on 13 10 50 or online here.

Customers returning to Bondi Westfield who would like support can call the New South Wales Mental Health line on 1800 011 511.

Readers seeking support can contact Lifeline on 13 11 14 or Beyond Blue on 1300 22 4636.