New RSA Training Tackles Sexual Harassment Head On

This reform will better equip hospitality staff across NSW to recognise, respond to and prevent incidents of sexual harassment and sexual violence in their workplaces, reinforcing safer conditions for both patrons and employees.

Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in partnership with Good Night Out, a global organisation tackling gender-based violence in nightlife settings, the new RSA content includes practical training on identifying drink spiking, understanding the effects of alcohol on consent and responding sensitively to disclosures from patrons.

The updated training highlights the legal distinctions between sexual harassment, sexual assault and drink spiking, while reinforcing that alcohol does not cause sexual violence — a narrative often used to excuse perpetrator behaviour and shift blame onto victims.

Over 100,000 RSA certificates are issued annually in NSW, and from now on each of those workers will receive this updated, safety-focused education. All approved RSA training providers must now include the new content as standard.

Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham says the update was key to ensuring that nightlife in NSW is safe and inclusive

“We want NSW to be the global gold standard for live music, nightlife and entertainment. That only happens if our venues are welcoming and respectful for everyone who walks through the door,” Mr Graham says.

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris reiterated this, saying: “These changes will give staff the tools and confidence to intervene when it counts and help keep venues safe for all.”

The RSA updates also incorporate content aligned with the federal Respect@Work legislation, which obliges employers to take active steps to prevent sexual harassment in the workplace. This includes enhanced licensee training that now references both patron and workplace safety obligations.

Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work, Health and Safety, underscored the broader workplace reform, saying: “With a dedicated Respect at Work team and the largest investment in workplace mental health in NSW history, we are expanding protections for workers across the state.”

These measures build on past reforms, including the introduction of guidance on drink spiking in last year’s RSA revision, and complement initiatives like Ask for Angela and Think Safe to Drink Safe.

NSW Women’s Safety Commissioner Hannah Tonkin praised the initiative as a national benchmark, while Full Stop Australia CEO Karen Bevan says: “Ensuring hospitality staff are equipped to respond sensitively and safely to disclosures of sexual violence is a positive step towards improving outcomes for victim-survivors.”

Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison added to this saying, “This training is one example of our work to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence.”

The NSW Government’s strengthened RSA framework reflects a commitment to safer nightlife environments and marks a milestone moment in the state’s broader efforts to prevent violence, protect workers and promote respectful community standards.