Charlestown MP Jodie Harrison has hailed licensed venues’ support of the new updated Australian-first Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course.
It’s been revealed more than 40,000 hospitality workers across NSW have completed the program in the seven months since prevention of sexual harassment and sexual assault training was added to the curriculum.
The educational initiative, introduced by the NSW Government in June 2025, provides practical guidance on preventing and responding to inappropriate conduct at pubs, clubs, bars, nightclubs, restaurants and other premises.
It also teaches staff how to recognise warning signs, support patrons who may be at risk and respond appropriately to incidents.
Workers undergo scenario-based learning in realistic situations they may encounter on the job, such as unwanted touching, inappropriate comments or suspected drink spiking.
They are then shown strategies to step in safely, whether that involves checking in with a patron, defusing a situation or escalating concerns to security or police.
The course explains the law and principles of consent and coercion, too, giving employees the knowledge and tools needed to act appropriately and effectively.
Ms Harrison admitted the figure marked an important milestone.
“It demonstrates the NSW Government has been working hard to build a safer NSW for people by making sure our pubs, clubs and restaurants are safe spaces,” the Minister for the Prevention of Domestic Violence and Sexual Assault said.
“This training is crucial to ensure venue staff can identify, intervene early and respond to incidents of sexual assault on their premises.
“It’s part of wider work that includes primary prevention, to change the beliefs and cultures that tolerate or condone violence in places where people live, learn, work, socialise and play.”
Developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW with international experts Good Night Out, the training was designed to be practical and directly relevant to the challenges hospitality workers may face.
RSA certification is mandatory for anyone serving, supplying or selling alcohol in NSW.
The updated content now includes the full RSA course for workers obtaining their accreditation for the first time.
“We want to have the best venues possible,” Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham said.
“So, I’m pleased to see this training has had a strong uptake.
“As we revive the night-time economy, we must make sure it’s safe.
“Giving staff the skills to prevent sexual assault on premises is an important step forward in achieving that.”
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