Safer Nights, Stronger Staff: South Australia Leads the Way in Hospitality Safety

Release Date: 12 August 2025

Source: Office of the Premier of South Australia

The Malinauskas Labor Government has taken a bold step forward, unveiling plans to mandate industry‑wide training aimed at combating sexual harassment and drink spiking within hospitality venues across South Australia  .

Why This Matters

In 2024, the Not So Hospitable report—led by Jamie Bucirde in collaboration with the University of Melbourne—shone a harsh light on the hospitality industry. It documented chilling statistics: over 50% of women surveyed reported harassment, and more than 40% experienced assault on the job, often involving individuals in positions of managerial power  . These findings underline the urgency of real, tangible change.

What’s Being Introduced

• Mandatory Bystander Awareness Training

  This will be incorporated alongside RSA (Responsible Service of Alcohol) courses. The training aims to empower staff to identify, interrupt, and respond effectively to sexual harassment and other harmful behaviors    .

• Drink‑Spiking Prevention Education

  Alongside bystander training, the government will introduce a consultation paper on training designed to help staff prevent, detect, and support victims of drink spiking   .

• Industry Consultation & Feedback

  A discussion paper has been released to gather input from industry stakeholders, unions, and the broader community on the scope and delivery of this mandatory training  .

Why RSA Is the Ideal Framework

RSA is already a compulsory qualification for anyone involved in the sale or service of alcohol in South Australia and across Australia. Embedding bystander training and drink‑spiking prevention into RSA provides:

• A pre-existing, widely accessed training channel.

• A structured context to reinforce duty of care and awareness.

• The potential to create consistent, industry‑wide standards of safety.

Looking Around: Is SA Leading the Pack?

Yes—and at the right time.

• New South Wales has already added sexual harassment and drink‑spiking modules to its RSA and licensee training programs.

• Victoria is updating its RSA courses to include training on identifying and responding to family violence, sexual assault, and harassment.

South Australia is joining or even leading this wave of practical reform by introducing mandatory training statewide—a progressive and timely response.

What It Means for the Industry

• For staff, this training offers tools to protect themselves and others—building confidence to act and ensuring safer workplaces.

• For patrons, safer venues mean greater trust and well-being.

• For business owners, embedding this training can reduce liability, bolster venue reputation, and align with a modern, safety‑focused industry standard.

What Comes Next?

1. Complete the Consultation Process—Industry feedback will inform the final design of the training modules.

2. Develop and Roll Out Training—Expect integration into RSA courses and potentially new certification requirements or refresher elements.

3. Monitor Outcomes—Reductions in reported incidents, improved reporting structures, and elevated staff confidence will be key indicators of success.

Final Thoughts

This initiative isn’t just about responding to a crisis—it’s about building a hospitality culture rooted in respect, safety, and accountability. By embedding bystander and drink‑spiking training into RSA, South Australia is sending a powerful message: hospitality’s future is one where everyone’s well‑being is at the front of the house.