Quick Reference — RSA Laws at a Glance
Course Code
SITHFAB021 — All States
Who Must Hold RSA
Anyone selling or serving alcohol
States Requiring Renewal
NSW (5yr) · VIC, NT, ACT, TAS (3yr)
No Expiry States
QLD · WA · SA (refresher recommended)
Online Training Accepted
All states (VIC requires approved provider)
Same-Day Certificate
Yes — with Job Trainer Australia
What Are the RSA Laws in Australia?
The Responsible Service of Alcohol (RSA) laws in Australia are a set of state and territory regulations that make it a legal requirement for anyone selling, serving or supplying alcohol in a licensed venue to hold a current, government-approved RSA certificate.
The nationally recognised unit of competency is SITHFAB021 – Provide Responsible Service of Alcohol, delivered by registered training organisations (RTOs) approved by each state's liquor licensing authority. Failing to hold a valid RSA certificate while working in a licensed venue exposes both the employee and the employer to serious legal penalties.
Key Legal Requirements
- RSA certification is mandatory in all Australian states and territories
- The current nationally recognised course code is SITHFAB021
- Each state has its own renewal rules and approved providers
- Online RSA training is accepted in all states through government-approved providers
- Working without a valid RSA is illegal and can result in fines, licence suspension or termination
RSA Laws by State and Territory — 2026
| State / Territory |
Governing Legislation |
Renewal |
Online Accepted |
JTA Course Fee |
| NSW | Liquor Act 2007 | Every 5 Years | ✅ Yes | $142 |
| VIC | Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 | Every 3 Years | ✅ Approved providers only | $58 |
| QLD | Liquor Act 1992 | No Expiry | ✅ Yes | $58 |
| WA | Liquor Control Act 1988 | No Expiry | ✅ Yes | $58 |
| SA | Liquor Licensing Act 1997 | No Expiry | ✅ Yes | $58 |
| TAS | Liquor Licensing Act 1990 | Every 3 Years | ✅ Yes | $58 |
| NT | Liquor Act 2019 | Every 3 Years | ✅ Yes | $58 |
| ACT | Liquor Act 2010 | Every 3 Years | ✅ Yes | $58 |
State-by-State RSA Legal Requirements
New South Wales
Liquor Act 2007 · Liquor & Gaming NSW
RSA is mandatory for all staff in licensed venues. Competency cards expire every 5 years. If your card has been expired for more than 28 days you must complete the full SITHFAB021 course again. Job Trainer Australia is an approved NSW online provider.
Victoria
Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 · Liquor Control Victoria
RSA is mandatory. Certificate valid for 3 years. Must complete SITHFAB021 through an LCV-approved provider plus the Sexual Harassment and Assault online module. Job Trainer Australia is an approved VIC provider.
Queensland
Liquor Act 1992 · Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation
RSA is mandatory. No formal expiry but refresher training every 3–5 years is strongly recommended. Statement of Attainment issued — no card issued in QLD. Online training accepted.
Western Australia
Liquor Control Act 1988 · DLGSC
RSA mandatory within 28 days of starting work in a licensed venue. No formal expiry. Training must be through a CITS-approved provider. Job Trainer Australia is DLGSC approved.
South Australia
Liquor Licensing Act 1997 · Consumer & Business Services
RSA mandatory for all hospitality staff. No expiry. Training through CBS-approved providers only. Job Trainer Australia is an approved SA provider. Refresher recommended every 3–5 years.
Tasmania
Liquor Licensing Act 1990 · Tasmanian Treasury
RSA mandatory for all staff serving alcohol. Renewal every 3 years recommended. Job Trainer Australia is listed as an approved TAS provider. Online training accepted.
Northern Territory
Liquor Act 2019 · NT Liquor Commission
RSA mandatory. Certificate must be renewed every 3 years. Online training accepted. Job Trainer Australia delivers NT-compliant SITHFAB021 training.
Australian Capital Territory
Liquor Act 2010 · Access Canberra
RSA mandatory. Certificate valid for 3 years. Online training accepted. Job Trainer Australia is an approved ACT provider delivering SITHFAB021.
Who Is Required to Hold an RSA Certificate?
Under Australian law, any person whose role involves the sale, service or supply of alcohol in a licensed venue must hold a current RSA certificate. This includes:
- Bar staff and bartenders
- Wait staff and food and beverage attendants
- Hotel and accommodation staff where alcohol is served
- Bottle shop and packaged liquor staff
- Event and festival staff serving alcohol
- Airline cabin crew
- Security staff at licensed venues
- Licensees and approved managers
- Cellar door and wine tasting staff
- Alcohol home delivery drivers
Penalties for RSA Non-Compliance in Australia
The consequences of failing to comply with RSA laws in Australia are serious for both employees and employers. Each state sets its own penalty regime but all treat non-compliance as a significant offence.
⚠️ Legal Penalties for RSA Non-Compliance
- Serving alcohol without RSA: Fines of up to $11,000 per offence (varies by state)
- Serving minors: Fines, licence suspension or permanent cancellation
- Serving intoxicated patrons: Fines for both staff and venue operators
- Venue operators: Loss of liquor licence, civil liability claims
- Employees: Immediate termination, difficulty securing future hospitality employment
RSA Laws Australia — Frequently Asked Questions
Is RSA mandatory in all Australian states?
Yes. RSA certification under SITHFAB021 is legally required in all eight Australian states and territories for anyone involved in selling, serving or supplying alcohol in a licensed venue.
What is the RSA law in NSW?
Under the Liquor Act 2007 (NSW), all staff in licensed venues must complete RSA training through a Liquor & Gaming NSW approved provider. The certificate expires every 5 years and must be renewed before expiry. The current course code is SITHFAB021.
Does RSA expire in QLD, WA and SA?
No. Queensland, Western Australia and South Australia have no mandatory RSA expiry date. However, a refresher course every 3–5 years is strongly recommended to stay current with legislative changes.
What is the penalty for serving alcohol without RSA in Australia?
Penalties vary by state but can include fines of up to $11,000 per offence, licence suspension or cancellation, and legal liability for the venue. Employees may face immediate termination.
Can I do my RSA online in Australia?
Yes. Online RSA training through SITHFAB021 is accepted in all Australian states and territories. Victoria requires training through an LCV-approved provider specifically. Job Trainer Australia is approved in all states.
How long does RSA last in Victoria?
Under the Liquor Control Reform Act 1998, RSA certificates in Victoria are valid for 3 years and must be renewed through a Liquor Control Victoria approved provider before expiry.
What legislation governs RSA in each Australian state?
NSW: Liquor Act 2007 · VIC: Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 · QLD: Liquor Act 1992 · WA: Liquor Control Act 1988 · SA: Liquor Licensing Act 1997 · TAS: Liquor Licensing Act 1990 · NT: Liquor Act 2019 · ACT: Liquor Act 2010.
Who regulates RSA in Australia?
Each state has its own regulator: Liquor & Gaming NSW (NSW), Liquor Control Victoria (VIC), Office of Liquor and Gaming Regulation (QLD), DLGSC (WA), Consumer & Business Services (SA), Tasmanian Treasury (TAS), NT Liquor Commission (NT), Access Canberra (ACT).
How long does it take to get an RSA certificate?
Most students complete the SITHFAB021 course in 3–4 hours online. With Job Trainer Australia, your nationally recognised Statement of Attainment is issued the same day you successfully complete all assessments.
Is the same RSA course valid across all Australian states?
The SITHFAB021 unit is nationally recognised, however each state has its own approved provider list and some states (NSW and VIC) have additional requirements. Job Trainer Australia delivers state-specific RSA training approved in all 8 states and territories.
Get Your RSA Certificate Today
Complete SITHFAB021 online in 3–4 hours. Same-day certificate. Approved in all Australian states and territories. RTO 45742.
Select Your State & Enrol Now