NSW Government Wants To Train Pub And Bar Staff To Fight Sexual Harassment And Violence

The NSW Government have announced that they will be exploring specialised sexual harassment and sexual violence prevention training for staff at licensed venues.

Following the success of a recent update to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training handbook to tackle drink spiking, the government said that it would consult with key stakeholders and advocacy groups about potential revisions to deal with sexual harassment and sexual violence

What Is Drink Spiking?

Drink spiking involves secretly adding alcohol or drugs to someone’s drink without their knowledge or consent. 

This act is a crime across all jurisdictions in Australia, with severe penalties: up to five years imprisonment in the ACT and Queensland, three years in Western Australia, and two years in New South Wales and Victoria. 

In NSW, incorporating drink spiking into the commission of another indictable offence can lead to a maximum penalty of 25 years in prison.

Drink Spiking At Highest Rate In Five Years 

According to data from the NSW Bureau of Crime Statistics and Research (BOCSAR), NSW police recorded 220 food or drink spiking incidents between July 2022 and June 2023 – an increase of 20 percent from the previous year. This represents the highest rate of drink spiking in NSW in five years.

Nearly half of all spiking incidents were reported in NSW’s major city centres, including Sydney CBD, Newcastle, Wollongong, and the Central Coast. Approximately 71% of these incidents took place in pubs or clubs. 

BOSCAR data also revealed that the number of criminal proceedings initiated within 30 days of a reported crime has averaged about three cases—or 1.7 percent—annually.  The extremely low prosecution rates of drink spikers highlight the challenges in apprehending offenders and the need for enhanced awareness and prevention measures in the community. 

Revised RSA Training Handbook Released

Liquor & Gaming NSW has released the revised RSA training handbook to Approved Training Providers, giving them until September 30 to incorporate the new guidance on drink spiking into their training materials. The updated handbook is now available online. 

In addition to the updated RSA training handbook, further updates are being considered to include guidance on sexual harassment and sexual violence. These updates emphasise that all staff at licensed venues play a crucial role in combating these issues.

These revisions also complement ongoing campaigns such as Think Safe to Drink Safe and Ask for Angela, both of which aim to educate the community, raise awareness about safer drinking practices, and provide tips for enhancing personal safety.

The Importance Of Safe Spaces in Hospitality 

 Minister for Music and the Night-Time Economy John Graham stressed that ensuring a safe workplace for hospitality and entertainment workers is just as important as providing a safe night out for patrons.

“We all need to work together to ensure that our nighttime going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers. A culture that celebrates live performance, creativity, and a diverse, vibrant nightlife is more likely to be a safe night-time economy,” Minister Graham said. 

Minister for Gaming and Racing David Harris expressed the NSW Government’s commitment to collaborating with venues and the hospitality industry to prioritise “safety, respect, and inclusiveness” for both staff and patrons.

“That means taking a zero-tolerance approach to any sexual harassment or violence in our pubs and clubs, but this requires a collaborative and coordinated effort from everyone. We are making sure that any work we undertake on the Responsible Service of Alcohol training handbook undergoes targeted consultation with key stakeholders who have the expertise and interest in public health and safety.

“RSA training is mandatory for all bar staff and security guards at pubs, clubs, and small bars across NSW which is why we are keen to investigate how best to equip them with the tools needed to prevent these sorts of behaviours,” Minister Harris added.