Australia Grapples with Surge in Public Incivility and Aggression

Reports indicate a notable increase in public incivility and aggression across Australia, a trend impacting daily interactions, public spaces, and the safety of customer-facing workers. This concerning development has prompted significant legislative and industry responses.

Key Findings: A Growing Crisis for Frontline Workers

Data reveals a significant escalation in abuse and violence targeting customer-facing employees across various sectors.

Retail and Fast-Food Sectors Hit Hard

A December 2025 report from Australia's Shop, Distributive and Allied Employees' Association (SDAEA) detailed a doubling of physical violence against retail and fast-food workers since 2023. Alarmingly, verbal abuse was reported by 88% of workers within the last 12 months.

Bus Industry Faces Mounting Attacks

The Bus Industry Confederation reported in late 2025 an 80% increase in physical attacks on drivers since 2022. The situation for drivers is exacerbated by a surge in verbal abuse, which increased by 184% in some states during the same period.

Legislative and Industry Responses to Rising Incivility

Strengthened Legal Measures

In response to the escalating trend, laws across Australia were strengthened in the last year. The Victorian Crimes Amendment Bill 2025, for example, introduced new specific offenses for assaulting or threatening "customer-facing workers." These now include indictable offenses carrying penalties up to five years in prison, specifically targeting abuse in retail, hospitality, and transport sectors.

Industry Adaptations for Safety

In a direct response to increased incivility, many Australian bus fleets are being retrofitted with full-height driver safety screens, aiming to protect operators from physical harm.

Public Perceptions and Strategies for Personal Conduct

A Perceived Decline in Civility

Observations from public forums, such as a recent AskAnAustralian Reddit thread, indicate a widespread perceived decline in civility. Users frequently note an increase in entitlement, selfishness, and a disproportionate escalation from minor annoyance to outright violence.

Individual Strategies for De-escalation

To help mitigate this trend on a personal level, several individual strategies are suggested:

• Practice restraint: Actively choose to avoid escalating confrontational situations.
• Accept minor inconveniences: Reframe daily frustrations by comparing them to more significant challenges, fostering a more resilient mindset.
• Manage anger: Develop and utilize strategies to pause, regulate emotional responses, and think before reacting or speaking.
• Cultivate patience: Intentionally allow extra time for travel and daily activities to reduce stress, hurriedness, and impulsive behaviors.
• Acknowledge others' perspectives: Recognize that all individuals have complex lives and feelings, promoting empathy and respectful interactions.

Systemic Considerations for a More Civil Society

While individual actions are vital, the article highlights that systemic factors also contribute to declining civility.

Corporations, governments, and businesses are strongly encouraged to examine how their operational choices may exacerbate public frustration. Factors such as understaffing or inefficient customer service systems can inadvertently contribute to a lack of civility, placing an additional burden on both customers and frontline workers.