Over 40k hospitality workers in NSW have now completed the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) course since the prevention of sexual harassment and assault training was added in June last year.
The training was introduced by the NSW Government to provide practical guidance for hospitality workers in preventing and responding to inappropriate sexual conduct in the workplace.
Students received scenario-based learning in situations they were likely to encounter, from inappropriate comments to drink spiking.
Students were then taught safe strategies to handle each situation, such as how to recognise warning signs, how to respond appropriately to situations and how to support at-risk patrons.
The coursework also included an explanation of the law as well as principles of coercion and consent, empowering hospitality workers to be able to act appropriately when faced with such incidents.
The practical and relevant training was developed by Liquor & Gaming NSW in conjunction with international experts Good Night Out, complementing initiatives such as Ask for Angela and Think Safe to Drink Safe, reinforcing the Minns Labor Government’s ongoing commitment to a safer and more inclusive night-time economy.
The updated content is currently included in the full RSA course, with the RSA Refresher course in the process of being updated.
Licensee training has also been updated to reflect federal Respect@Work laws, reinforcing employers’ responsibility to take active measures such as staff education to prevent workplace sexual harassment.
John Graham, Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy, said that safety is essential to a great night out.
“As we revive the night-time economy we have to make sure it’s safe.
“Giving staff the skills to prevent sexual assault on premises is an important step forward in making people safer.”
Sophie Cotsis, Minister for Work, Health and Safety said SafeWork NSW is actively delivering its four-year Respect at Work Strategy for 2023–27.
“The Government has invested $127.7 million in the health and safety regulator over the next four years to address psychosocial hazards in the workplace. Fifty-one inspectors are being recruited including 20 psychosocial-focused inspectors.
“The targeted reform is part of a broader $344 million Workplace Mental Health package, strengthening mental health support and injury prevention strategies in NSW workplaces.
“SafeWork continues to be proactive, launching a compliance program in June which issued 16 improvement notices to 11 hospitality venues across NSW in relation to sexual harassment work health and safety (WHS) hazards,” explained Cotsis.
Chris Gatfield, AHA NSW director of policy said the commitment of the AHA NSW is to ensure hotels are safe for both staff and patrons.
“Including more detailed information on preventing sexual harassment and assault in RSA and licensee training means licensees and staff from all hospitality settings receive these valuable tools.”
The NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, 1800 424 017, provides 24/7 support for anyone impacted by sexual violence.
