Recognition of interstate RSA training
While the Liquor Administration Board recognises training that has been approved by interstate liquor licensing authorities, it is on the basis that it must be coupled with completion of a bridging course on the NSW liquor laws.
This approach recognises that, while there are common elements to RSA training undertaken across all Australian States and Territories eg. standard drink and health related information, the focus of the training is on the relevant harm minimisation provisions of the NSW liquor laws.
These harm minimisation provisions, as well as other aspects of the NSW liquor laws, can differ from those liquor laws applying in other Australian jurisdictions. For instance, the NSW liquor laws contain licensing arrangements unique to the NSW environment. Also, under the NSW liquor laws, there is a Director of Liquor and Gaming who has similar enforcement powers to the Police Commissioner.
Therefore, to ensure those who have completed RSA training interstate have an understanding of the NSW liquor laws, the Board requires the bridging course, conducted by TAFE (NSW) or the AHA (NSW) to also be completed. This half day course covers relevant aspects of the NSW liquor laws.
TAFE (NSW) and the AHA (NSW) are the Board-approved training providers of the four hour bridging course.
For NSW venues in border areas, such as Albury and Tweed Heads, employers regularly have to consider interstate training qualifications and their relevance in NSW.
In most cases, anyone who has completed an approved interstate RSA course, combined with TAFE's RSA bridging course, would meet the requirements of the mandatory training regime (see below).
However, where an employer has a strict employment policy of only recruiting staff who have completed a Board-approved RSA course, then the six hour program must be undertaken.
RSA bridging course approved for distance learning
The RSA bridging course has been available as a training option for interstate personnel working in NSW licensed venues since 2000. Conducted by TAFE NSW, it has now been approved by the Liquor Administration Board to also be conducted by distance learning through TAFE's Open Training Education Network (OTEN).
This course meets the requirements of the Liquor Administration Board for people who have already undertaken a RSA course interstate under the mandatory RSA training regime for NSW.
Conducted over four hours (when held in a classroom environment), the course focusses on key elements of Board-approved RSA training - the context of RSA training in NSW (including the role of key agencies), the responsible serving provisions of the NSW liquor laws and implementing RSA strategies.
This course is suitable for those people who will be serving liquor at major events held in NSW, who already hold a RSA certificate issued in their home State or Territory.
For enquiries about completing the RSA bridging course by distance learning, contact OTEN - telephone 02 9715 8517.
