New South Wales have become the first state in Australia to include training on spotting and stopping sexual harassment and sexual violence in its Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) and licensee training courses.
The drink spiking and sexual violence training (PDF 249.97KB) provides clear guidance on the law and practical tools to help workers act confidently and appropriately in real-world situations.
The course material includes scenarios and information developed in partnership with international experts and Australian advocacy groups covering topics such as consent, coercion, drink spiking, and how to support someone who has experienced an incident.
Outside of the training courses, all hospitality staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new content, and licensees are encouraged to incorporate into staff training.
This is a major step forward in ensuring workers understand not only how to serve alcohol responsibly, but how to identify and respond to unacceptable behaviour in licensed venues.
Note: There is no requirement for competency card holders with a current RSA endorsement to retrain or complete a new training module on this topic. Hospitality staff who have previously completed the training are encouraged to review the updated training materials independently.
The training content has been updated to include information and resources to support those working in licensed premises to understand the crucial role they play in making sure patrons enjoy a safe night out. Staff have a duty of care to patrons and other staff members to ensure venues are free from harassment, violence and assault.
This update builds on last year’s RSA training handbook revision, which included new guidance on drink spiking. These changes complement existing initiatives such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, reinforcing the NSW Government’s commitment to a safer, more inclusive night-time economy for both patrons and workers.
The updated training is included in the full RSA course, which is mandatory for anyone selling, supplying or serving alcohol in NSW. This includes bartenders, wait staff and security personnel entering the industry or completing their certification for the first time. Outside of the training course, all hospitality staff are encouraged to familiarise themselves with the new content.
It is also included in the Licensee Training (LT) course, which is mandatory for all liquor licensees, approved managers, and club secretaries.
In addition to guidance on patron safety requirements, the licensee training has been updated to reflect employers' obligations under the Australian Government's Respect@Work legislation, which requires businesses to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment, including providing relevant education and training for all employees.
No. If you are a current competency card holder with a current RSA endorsement, you do not need to retrain or complete any new training modules.
All hospitality staff who have completed the RSA previously are encouraged to review the updated training materials independently.
No. If you are a current competency card holder with a current LT endorsement, you do not need to retrain or complete any new training modules.
Licensees who have previously completed the training are encouraged to review the updated training materials independently and consider incorporating them into a staff meeting.
Licensees have a responsibility to do everything they reasonably can to make sure the workplace is safe.
The positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) requires duty holders to take active measures to prevent work-related sexual harassment, sex discrimination, sexist behaviour and victimisation from occurring. This includes providing effective education and training for all workers.
The Australian Human Rights Commission e-learning, 'Understanding and addressing workplace sexual harassment for retail and hospitality managers' may support licensee and worker understanding of what work-related sexual harassment is and how to stop it.
There are many resources available on the positive duty in the Sex Discrimination Act 1984 (Cth) on the Australian Human Rights Commission’s website. You are welcome and encouraged to share any resources with your workforce.
Learn more about workplace sexual harassment training.
Updated training materials can be downloaded below. Hospitality staff who have previously completed the training are encouraged to review the updated training materials independently.
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