NSW rolls out mandatory RSA training to tackle sexual harassment in hospitality
In important news for the hospitality sector in light of recent allegations, New South Wales has become the first state in Australia to introduce compulsory training on sexual harassment and violence prevention as part of its Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.
The new training modules aim to help hospitality staff recognise and respond to inappropriate behaviour in licensed venues. The reform follows a spate of high-profile misconduct allegations across major hospitality groups last August.
“Sexual harassment and sexual violence have no place in NSW and are completely unacceptable in our pubs, clubs, bars and restaurants,” Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris said. “These changes will give the more than 100,000 workers who complete a course each year the skills and confidence to recognise and respond to unacceptable behaviour and is a major step towards making venues safer for everyone.”
Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in collaboration with global advocacy group Good Night Out, the program covers topics such as legal definitions of harassment and assault, how alcohol impacts consent, and how to respond to disclosures of violence or drink spiking.
Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault Jodie Harrison said, “The NSW Government has a zero tolerance approach towards sexual violence and harassment, and we are working to stop it before it starts.”
Karen Bevan, CEO of Full Stop Australia, welcomed the move: “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.”
The initiative complements other recent measures, including the launch of SafeSpace@elevate, an anonymous reporting service now in use across 16 Sydney venues.
Minister for Work, Health and Safety Sophie Cotsis heralded the increased protections.
“With a dedicated Respect at Work team and the largest investment in workplace mental health in NSW history, we are strengthening protections,” Costis said.
Jonathan Jackson, 26th June 2025
