March 29, 2022 | By Bronwen Largier
The state government is making it easier for interstate hospitality workers to work in New South Wales, in an effort to address staff shortages in the sector.
NSW has added the Responsible Serve of Alcohol certification to a federal initiative launched last year that allows professional licences and certifications to be recognised across state and territory lines.
NSW, Victoria, South Australia, Tasmania, the ACT and the Northern Territory have all signed up to the Automatic Mutual Recognition initiative which seeks to recognise licences and certifications required to do some jobs.
Existing rules meant many of those holding licences and qualifications had to take steps to get their professional accreditation recognised if they wished to work temporarily in another state.
However, all regions participating in the initiative have only extended mutual recognition to certain professions and to date, NSW appears to be the only state or territory to include the RSA certification as part of the initiative.
This will make it easier for hospitality venues in the state to plug temporary staffing issues and for event organisers to utilise staff from interstate.
Victoria does accept a current RSA qualification from nationally accredited organisations for those travelling from interstate to work on events.