Mandatory Bystander Awareness Training in SA’s Hospitality Sector

Why This Legislation Emerged

• Alarming Harassment Rates: A 2024 University of Melbourne report via Not So Hospitable revealed that over 50% of women in Adelaide’s hospitality industry experienced sexual harassment, and 40% reported assaults, with some victims as young as 14.  

• Lack of Reporting and Response: The report also found that nearly half of survivors who reported incidents saw no action from management.   

• Union & Advocacy Calls: The United Workers Union and advocacy groups pressed for mandatory training, noting gaps in awareness, reporting, and structural support.   

What’s Being Introduced

• In June 2024, the Malinauskas Labor Government declared plans for mandatory bystander intervention training for hospitality staff, to be integrated into the Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) certification.    

• This training aims to equip workers with skills to identify and respond to sexual harassment and other unwanted behaviours, both for staff and patrons.    

• Minister for Women Katrine Hildyard emphasised the need to challenge disrespectful attitudes and empower individuals to speak up.   

• Consumer and Business Affairs Minister Andrea Michaels commended the Australian Hotels’ Association (AHA)’s existing bystander training and expressed intentions to expand its reach across the sector.   

• AHA-SA Chief Anna Moeller highlighted that training is essential for staff safety and praised early efforts within the hotel sub-sector (~600 venues), with plans for expansion.   

• The Government plans to consult with industry stakeholders and the broader community, including organisations like the Equal Opportunity Commissioner, UWU, and What Were You Wearing Australia.   

• Consultations will explore:

• How best to embed training into RSA courses.

• Covering both sexual harassment and drink-spiking prevention training.    

• There’s no finalised implementation date yet; the legislation remains in the consultation stage as of mid-2025.   

Support & Endorsement

• The Equal Opportunity Commissioner has consistently backed mandatory bystander training, viewing it as central to workplace culture shift.   

• The Adelaide City Council’s “Project Night Light” pilot training staff in 12 venues has reportedly boosted awareness by around 70%, supporting broader roll-out.   

Concerns & Hesitations

• The AHA initially raised concerns about added cost burdens, particularly for small operators though they are open to integrating training for new entrants to the industry.  

• Critics note that the RSA certificate is often not refreshed, meaning that one-off training at entry doesn’t ensure long-term impact highlighting the need for periodic refreshers and cultural change.  

What This Law Means for Stakeholders

• For Hospitality Staff: The law fosters safer workplaces by giving employees, especially those vulnerable to abuse the knowledge and confidence to intervene.

• For Venues: Incorporating up-to-date training set frameworks for reporting, emotional support, and safe intervention might enhance patron and staff safety.

• For the Community: Broader cultural shifts toward preventive action over reactive liability avoidance may arise as this training becomes standard.

• For Government & Regulators: Successful rollout depends on thoughtful consultation, efficient curriculum integration, and monitoring of training effectiveness over time.

South Australia’s pending law to mandate bystander awareness training for hospitality staff signals a progressive step in addressing sexual harassment and workplace safety. While still in the consultation phase, this initiative reflects a growing commitment to preventive action promoting safe, respectful environments for both employees and patrons. As the law evolves, clarity on implementation and accountability will be key to lasting cultural change.