Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) training is a legal requirement for anyone involved in the sale, supply or service of alcohol in Australia.
Each state and territory has its own unique laws and regulations to ensure that alcohol is served responsibly to minimise the risk of alcohol-related incidents. To ensure compliance with these requirements, the Australian Institute of Food Safety (AIFS) provides RSA training and certification services to organisations in Queensland, South Australia, Western Australia, the Australian Capital Territory and the Northern Territory.
This blog post explores the RSA training and certification requirements for each region in more detail, so that alcohol servers know how to fulfil their moral and legal obligations for their specific location.
Australian Capital Territory (ACT)
Why RSA certification is essential for alcohol service in Queensland
In Queensland (QLD), anyone involved in the service or supply of alcohol must complete an RSA course that is accredited by the Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (OLGR).
The RSA certification for QLD requires the completion of a RSA course through a Registered Training Organisation (RTO). While RSA certification completed after 2002 in QLD does not expire, regular refresher courses are recommended to ensure you are up to date with current legislative changes and requirements.
Compliance with RSA requirements is strictly monitored, and failing to possess a valid RSA certification while serving alcohol can result in heavy fines.
Staying compliant and informed: RSA training in South Australia
South Australia requires individuals serving or selling alcohol to complete RSA training through a nationally accredited provider recognised by Consumer and Business Services (CBS).
Unlike some other states, in South Australia, the RSA certification does not expire. However, ongoing training is encouraged to ensure individuals are up to date with the latest laws and practices. Training options include online courses or classroom settings, providing flexibility for hospitality workers.
How to meet RSA requirements in Western Australia
In Western Australia (WA), RSA certification is mandatory for all staff involved in the sale, service or supply of alcohol. The training must be completed through an approved RTO within 28 days of employment and cover topics such as understanding local liquor laws, knowing how to deal with difficult customers and understanding the impact of alcohol on the community and individuals.
RSA certification in WA is not subject to an expiry date, but periodic refresher courses are recommended to keep skills and knowledge current.
Understanding RSA training requirements in the Australian Capital Territory
The Australian Capital Territory (ACT) mandates that anyone selling or serving alcohol is required to complete RSA training approved by the Australian Capital Territory Government. The training must be refreshed every three years to maintain validity.
The territory places a strong emphasis on understanding the legal responsibilities and health implications of alcohol consumption, aiming to reduce harm caused by alcohol-related incidents in the community.
How to comply with RSA certification requirements in the Northern Territory
In the Northern Territory (NT), obtaining an RSA certificate is mandatory for individuals involved in the sale, service or supply of alcohol. This certification ensures that staff are qualified to serve alcohol responsibly in licensed venues.
New employees must acquire their RSA certificate within seven days of commencing work at a licensed premises. The RSA training can be completed online or through face-to-face courses provided by accredited RTOs. To maintain certification, a refresher course is required every three years.
Why is RSA training important for responsible alcohol service?
Data from the Australian Institute of Health and Welfare (AIHW) indicates that around 30,000 hospitalisations are caused by alcohol-related incidents each year in Australia, along with 1,950 deaths. These statistics outline the considerable impact that alcohol can have on individuals, families and healthcare facilities all over the country.
The alcohol-related incidents that result in hospitalisation or death vary in nature, ranging from acute intoxication and alcohol-related accidents or injuries to health issues caused by prolonged consumption, such as liver disease, cardiovascular diseases and certain types of cancer.
The consequences listed above highlight just how important it is to implement responsible alcohol service practices on a consistent basis.
As well as being a legal requirement, RSA training is an essential step towards reducing the damage caused by alcohol consumption. Not only does it educate alcohol servers on the effects of alcohol, but also provides strategies for preventing harm so that everyone can enjoy alcohol safely and responsibly.
RSA training at the Australian Institute of Food Safety
The online RSA course provided by AIFS outlines the moral and legal obligations of an alcohol server, offering guidance for achieving safe and responsible alcohol service. It covers several essential topics such as understanding the social impact of alcohol consumption, the physical effects alcohol can have on the body, strategies for minimising harm, legal obligations and best practices for serving alcohol responsibly.
The AIFS curriculum incorporates SITHFAB021, a nationally recognised unit of competency that aims to ensure consistent standards regarding the responsible service of alcohol. This unit is listed in the Australian Qualifications Framework (AQF) and is part of the country’s vocational education and training (VET) system.
SITHFAB021 covers several key aspects of alcohol service, including:
- Understanding the impact of alcohol consumption.
- Age verification.
- Recognising intoxication.
- Standard drinks and alcohol percentages.
- Refusing service in a responsible and legally compliant manner.
What to expect from the RSA course
Assessment activities are required in order to verify that students have an adequate understanding of responsible service and are capable of applying this knowledge to real-life situations.
RSA course participants must complete the following tasks in order to achieve certification:
- Lesson Quizzes: Answer a series of multiple choice questions based on the topics covered in each lesson.
- Case Studies: Read the case study and answer multiple choice questions based on the content.
- Reading Activity: Open and read the document provided.
- Virtual Video Assessment / Observer Report: Successfully perform a selection of practical tasks while under observation.
After completing all of the assessment activities outlined above to a satisfactory standard, students will be awarded a Statement of Attainment to confirm that all of the government’s RSA training requirements have been met.
Complete your RSA training online with AIFS
The RSA course can be completed online, with no need for classroom-based activities. This means that students can start learning immediately after they enrol and progress through the course at their own pace, from anywhere at any time.
From start to finish, the course takes about 3-4 hours to complete but students have up to 12 months in which to complete it, giving them the flexibility to plan their training around their work schedules.
AIFS is now approved to deliver RSA training in the majority of Australian states and territories, including SA and the ACT. This means that individuals and organisations across Australia can access an accredited training program that enables them to meet their moral and legal obligations regarding responsible alcohol service in a commercial setting.
Regardless of location, the underlying principle remains the same: to promote responsible alcohol consumption and reduce alcohol-related harm.
Interested in enrolling? Sign up online or get in touch with our expert team and discover all the benefits of the RSA course.
