Less than one month after gaining 20,000 signatures on their petition, local Founder of What Were You Wearing, Sarah Williams and the What Were You Wearing team are set to appear at the legislative debate on 22 June 2023.
The petition aims to reform the RSA (responsible service of alcohol) to include training for all security and bar staff at nightclubs on drink spiking and sexual violence prevention, along with the skills to assist patrons in the event of these crimes occurring within these venues.
Following six months of campaigning to receive 20,000 signatures, Sarah said it hasn’t been an easy journey.
“Getting 20,000 signatures has by no means been an easy process,” Sarah said.
“The team has put in a great deal of hard work to get the petition over the line.
“From attending festivals to running social media campaigns to getting signatures on nights out, we’ve put in the hard yards, and the outcome has resulted in an overwhelmingly positive response.”
Through educational resources, spiking prevention kits, and educational posters in venues, the What Were You Wearing team hope to enhance patron safety for venues across Australia.
What Were You Wearing’s Vice President of Education, Claudia Holt said that education is vital in making change.
“Getting the petition to pass through NSW Parliament, is just the first step in a long journey ahead for us,” Claudia said.
“Our wider goal is to see this change roll out over Australia.
“We hope to educate venues across Australia to make change and save lives.”
Sarah encourages supporters of What Were You Wearing to contact their local Member for Parliament (MP) ahead of the debate.
“If you would like to help us get the petition passed, we encourage you to call, email or tag your local MP in our socials, to get their attention, and educate them prior to the debate,” Sarah said.
“For more information, we’ve provided all the relevant resources on our social media channels.
“We are very fortunate to have Newcastle MP, Tim Crakanthorp debating on our behalf.
“The team has put in the hard work, and now it’s in the hands of the Government to make their decision.
“We are hoping they make the decision in our favour.”
Sarah Williams and the What Were You Wearing team will be attending the debate at NSW Parliament on 22 June 2023.
IMAGE | The What Were You Wearing team at a recent protest.
