NSW pushes for sexual harassment prevention training in pubs, clubs staff

The New South Wales government is considering training staff at licensed venues about the prevention of sexual harassment and sexual violence.

In a statement, the NSW government said it is "investigating options" and will be consulting key stakeholders and advocacy groups over potential changes to the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training handbook.

RSA training is mandatory for all bar staff and security guards at pubs, clubs, and small bars across New South Wales.

This is why the government is eager to investigate how best to equip them with the tools needed to prevent cases of sexual harassment or violence, according to Gaming and Racing Minister David Harris.

"The NSW Government is committed to working closely with venues and the broader hospitality industry to ensure safety, respect, and inclusiveness are the highest priority for staff and patrons," Harris said in a statement.

"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."

Push for harassment training amid drink spiking update

The government's plan comes after a recent update on the RSA training handbook regarding drink spiking.

The updated training handbook, published by Liquor & Gaming NSW, provides bar staff and security personnel additional information on the steps they can take after an alleged drink spiking incident is raised or if an incident of it is witnessed.

Approved Training Providers now have until September 30 to update their own training materials with drink spiking advice.

"Just as patrons expect a safe night out, hospitality and entertainment workers deserve a safe workplace," said Music and the Night-Time Economy Minister John Graham in a statement.

"We all need to work together to ensure that our night-time going out experiences are safe for patrons and workers."