NSW’s updated RSA hits milestone as 40,000 hospitality workers complete new safety training
More than 40,000 hospitality workers across NSW have now completed the state’s updated Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course, which for the first time includes training on preventing and responding to sexual harassment and sexual assault.
The Australian-first update, rolled out in June 2025, builds this content into mandatory RSA accreditation — aimed at giving frontline staff in pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs and restaurants more confidence to spot problems early and step in when behaviour crosses the line.
Rather than sticking mostly to alcohol service rules, the revised course leans heavily into real-world, scenario-based learning. Staff are trained on situations such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments and suspected drink spiking, including how to intervene safely, support patrons, and escalate matters when required.
It also covers consent, coercion and legal responsibilities, with the goal of giving workers clearer authority to act — not just observe. The training was developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in partnership with international safety group Good Night Out.
The changes also line up with federal Respect@Work reforms, which require employers to take proactive steps to prevent workplace sexual harassment. In NSW, that’s been reinforced through stronger licensee training so operators understand both their WHS responsibilities and broader duty of care.
SafeWork NSW has also sharpened its attention on psychosocial hazards, and hospitality has been a key focus given the mix of late-night trading, high staff turnover and customer-to-worker harassment risks.
Since June 2025, SafeWork NSW has issued improvement notices to hospitality venues related to sexual harassment WHS risks, and has convened an Industry Leaders Forum focused on prevention — a signal the regulator is taking a more hands-on stance.
The RSA update fits alongside other NSW safety initiatives like ‘Ask for Angela’ and ‘Think Safe to Drink Safe’, as the state works to rebuild confidence in the night-time economy while keeping venues safe.
With an updated RSA Refresher now in the works, the goal is for the entire licensed workforce — not only new starters — to move through the enhanced training over time.
Industry groups have largely backed the change. The Australian Hotels Association NSW says the expanded content gives practical tools for staff and licensees, while some operators report clearer guidance on handling complaints and incidents on the floor.
For venue owners and managers, the message is getting harder to ignore: safety, staff wellbeing and patron experience are now tightly linked to compliance — and to long-term business sustainability.
And for other states watching NSW closely, this RSA overhaul sets a fresh benchmark. It’s a clear sign that preventing sexual harassment and sexual assault is no longer “extra” training — it’s becoming a core capability expected of hospitality operators.
Jonathan Jackson, 14th January 2026
