• Section 1 - Introduction
• Section 2 - Purpose
• Section 3 - Scope
• Section 4 - Audience
• Section 5 - Principles
• Minimising Harm
• Consumption of Alcohol
• University Events involving alcohol
• Drugs
• Section 6 - High Risk Activities and High Risk Workspaces
• Section 7 - Reporting and responding to suspected impairment
• Section 8 - Non Compliance
• Section 9 - University Support and Contacts
• Section 10 - Defined Terms

Section 1 - Introduction

(1) This Policy supports the University's commitment to creating a safe, healthy and productive environment to work, study and visit. Staff, students or visitors who are impaired in any way, including by alcohol or other drugs are at risk of poor decision making or diminished performance of their duties / activities. This can undermine the University's commitment to a safe environment for themselves and others and can impact on the University's reputation.

(2) The University acknowledges the behavioural effects of alcohol and other drugs as a factor that contributes to incidents of gender-based violence and its role in reducing the risk of gender-based violence.

Section 2 - Purpose

(3) The objectives of this Policy are to:

1. minimise harm from the consumption of alcohol and other drugs;
2. set out the University's approach to management of alcohol and drug use;
3. establish expectations of members of the University community;
4. inform staff and students about the support available to them in relation to alcohol or drug consumption; and
5. indicate the consequences of a breach of this Policy.

Section 3 - Scope

(4) This Policy applies to the consumption of alcohol, illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, prescription medications and tobacco products by any individual in the University related context, including but not limited to:

1. attending a University campus or facility (owned or leased);
2. using University equipment (owned or leased);
3. attending a University event; and
4. participating in any activity as a representative of the University.

(5) This Policy applies to activities of the University where members of the University community are present including University business, activities, fieldwork, placements, events, or while using University facilities. It also covers work-related functions where alcohol may be present.

(6) Controlled entities must adopt this Policy where no equivalent policy of similar or equal standard exists.

Section 4 - Audience

(7) This Policy should be read by all members of the University community.

Section 5 - Principles

Minimising Harm

(8) The University will:

1. provide a safe working, learning, social and recreational environment;
2. take steps to minimise exposure to alcohol and other drug related harm to all members of the University community, University property and the reputation of the University;
3. meet legal and compliance responsibilities in the service and consumption of alcohol and the use of drugs across all University campuses and activities;
4. takes steps to proactively manage environments where alcohol is present to reduce risks of gender-based violence, hrassment, and discrimination; and
5. provide an inclusive environment for staff, students and others who choose not to consume alcohol or other drugs.

(9) All members of the University community are responsible for their personal conduct and protecting their working, learning, social and recreational environment by exhibiting high standards of professional and personal conduct. People should take reasonble care of their own health and the safety of themselves and of others, and must comply with any policy or reasonable direction relating to the consumption of alcohol or other drugs when in the University related context.

(10) Where alcohol is consumed in the University related context, the University requires all:

1. staff to conduct themselves in the accordance with the requirements of the Staff Code of Conduct;
2. students to conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of the Student Code of Conduct;
3. contractors and affiliates to conduct themselves in accordance with the requirements of all relevant policies, procedures, directions and contractual conditions;
4. other persons, including visitors, to conduct themselves in a responsible and appropriate manner and in accordance with the requirements of any relevant policies and procedures.

Consumption of Alcohol

(11) The consumption of alcohol in the University related context must be managed responsibly in accordance with this Policy, any applicable controlled entity policy, and relevant state and federal law.

(12) Responsible management of consumption of alcohol in the University related context requires individuals to:

1. limit their consumption of alcohol beverages to appropriate occasions and activities;
2. limit their consumption of alcohol to a level that does not impede or adversely affect their capacity or behaviour (or the capacity of others);
3. comply with the reasonable directions of Authorised University Representatives;
4. not encourage others to engage in the irresponsible consumption of alcohol.

(13) Individuals are not to consume alcohol:

1. when they are under 18 years of age; or
2. where the consumption of alcohol is likely to result in a subsequent breach of state and federal law (e.g. consuming sufficient alcohol to raise their blood level above legal permissible driver alcohol limits where they intend to drive operate equipment).

(14) For staff or contract positions, the University:

1. may restrict the consumption of alcohol, having regard to the requirements of the position (e.g. where a staff member is required to hold a NSW Security Licence and/or engage in high-risk activities); and
2. may incorporate specific conditions in relation to the consumption of alcohol into the relevant position description or contract where necessary.

(15) Informal activities that encourage the excessive consumption of alcohol such as pub crawls and drinking competitions are prohibited.

University Events involving alcohol

(16) All individuals responsible for organising University Events must:

1. follow the Responsible Service of Alcohol Regulation;
2. manage any risks of the event in accordance with the Risk Management Framework;
3. complete an appropriate event risk assessment in the course of planning the event;
4. take appropriate action to ensure the safety and wellbeing of people and property; 
5. undertake relevant training, including gender-based violence prevention and bystanding training; and
6. ensure that non-alcoholic drinks, including water, are available;
7. comply wtih any other relevant University or controlled entity policy or procedure.

(17) At University events where alcohol is served, all members of the University community are expected to:

1. understand and respect individual and cultural differences in attitudes towards the consumption of alcohol;
2. be fully inclusive and welcoming of individuals including those who are not of legal drinking age and those who choose not to drink.

(18) Advertising and sponsorship of a University event must be in accordance with the Alcoholic Beverages Advertising Code Responsible Alcohol Marketing Code.

Drugs

Illegal Drugs

(19) The University does not tolerate illegal drug activity and will report all illegal activity, including the consumption, possession or distribution of illegal substances to the appropriate authorities.

Prescription and Over-the-Counter Medications

(20) The University acknowledges that some members of the University community use over-the-counter and/or prescription medicines for their on-going health management.

(21) To protect themselves and others, members of the University community must manage the consumption of prescription and over-the counter medications responsibly, which includes:

1. adhering to professional medical advice and instructions regarding the consumption of medications and potential side effects;
2. taking appropriate steps to avoid potential harm to the individual or other members of the community, such as:
   1. taking a leave of absence where the medication impedes the capacity to perform appropriately, or
   2. discussing other options (e.g. short term change of duties) with a supervisor or course coordinator;
3. disposing of any needles, syrings and similar equipment in appropriate sharp containers; and
4. safe storage.

Tobacco Use and Smoking

(22) The University is committed to maintaining its campuses as smoke-free environments. Smoking of any substance, or use of e-cigarettes (vapes) or similar devices, is strictly limited to designated areas.

Section 6 - High Risk Activities and High Risk Workspaces

(23) This Section applies to:

1. all persons who undertake University activities that are high risk activities;
2. all persons who access University high risk workspaces.

(24) High risk activities and workspaces require strict fitness for duty.

(25) The consumption of alcohol immediately prior to or while performing high risk activites is prohibited.

(26) The consumption of alcohol immediately prior to or while attending or performing work in high risk workspaces is prohibited.

(27) Members of the University community undertaking high risk activites or attending high risk workspaces must not be impaired.

(28) If a manager has a reasonable suspicion that a staff member is impaired or exhibiting impaired behaviours, the manager may issue a reasonable direction, including to cease the activity, to leave the workplace or campus, and not to access University vehicles, equipment or high risk workspaces.

Section 7 - Reporting and responding to suspected impairment

(29) Where a person appears to be impaired or is exhibiting impaired behaviours, an Authorised University Representative may, where it is safe to do so, direct the person to leave the workplace, campus, premises or event until such time as they are no longer impaired.

(30) Anyone in the University community must report where:

1. they are potentially harmed by an individual exhibiting impaired behaviours or suspected to be impaired;
2. they witness impaired behaviours that could place any person at risk of harm;
3. an incident occurs which may be a result of suspected impairment.

(31) All incidents relating to gender-based violence will be managed in accordance with the Prevention and Response to Gender-Based Violence Policy.

(32) Persons suspected of impairment will be treated with dignity and offered access to support services (e.g. Employee Assistant Program, Student Wellbeing).

(33) Any individuals impacted by another individual’s impaired behaviour will be supported in a person-centred, trauma informed way including referral to University reporting mechanisms and support services for students and staff.

(34) No person will be penalised for reporting suspected impairment in good faith.

(35) Any incidents and reports will be reviewed in alignment with health and safety risk assessment processes associated with non-compliance of this Policy where required.

Section 8 - Non Compliance

(36) Staff who do not compy with this Policy may be subject to the provisions of the Staff Code of Conduct, and/or a relevant Enterprise Agreement or Senior Staff Employment Agreement.

(37) Students who do not comply with this Policy may be subject to the provisions of the Student Code of Conduct and/or the Student Conduct Rule.

(38) Suspected breaches of this Policy should be logged through a Breach Report.

Section 9 - University Support and Contacts

(39) The University is committed to a safe, healthy, and inclusive learning and working environment and recognise substance use disorders as treatable health conditions. Staff and students will have access to education, early assistance, and confidential support related to alcohol or other drugs.

(40) Staff and students in need of resources, counselling or support regarding alcohol or other drug use may obtain confidential support through the University's Employee Assistance Program or Student Wellbeing Services respectively, and staff and students are encouraged to use these services.

(41) The University will, as far as practicable, respect the rights of staff and students to privacy and confidentiality in relation to obtaining one of these services having regard to the University's duty to maintain a safe and healthy working and learning environment.

(42) Any persons impacted by the conduct of a person suspected of impairment will be supported in a person-centred, trauma informed way including referral to University reporting mechanisms and support services for students and staff.

(43) Incidents can be reported to Safety and Security Services, AIMS, Campus Care and Staff Care.

Section 10 - Defined Terms

(44) In the context of this document the following definitions apply:

1. “authorised University representative” means, as applicable to the situation, supervisors, event managers, security personnel, persons responsible for the service of alcohol, and other staff;
2. “gender-based violence” means any form of physical or non-physical violence, harassment, abuse or threats, based on gender, that results in, or is likely to result in harm, coercion, control, fear or deprivation of liberty or autonomy, as described in the Universities Accord (National Higher Education Code to Prevent and Respond to Gender-based Violence Act 2025 (Cth)), including without limitation sexual harm and sexual harassment, sex-based harassment, intimate partner violence, family and domestic violence, stalking or monitoring, technology-facilitated abuse, coercive control, reproductive coercion, forced marriage, sexual trafficking, and patterns of abusive behaviour;
3.  “high risk activities” means any activity which is determined to be high or very high risk, prior to controls being implemented. The following University activities or locations have been determined to be high or very high risk:
   1. operating or driving any mobile equipment on campus grounds in the course of undertaking work, coursework or research. This includes private or commercial vehicles, lawn mowers, excavation equipment, forklifts, tractors or similar. This does not include driving for personal reasons such as to and from work. The Australian road rules apply in these instances.
   2. working in confined spaces, laboratories, workshops or at heights which includes rooftops (unless they have been assessed as low risk in accordance with the Health and Safety Management System);
   3. undertaking medium to high levels of physical exertion during work, coursework, or research, whether for short or long duration;
   4. activities involving the use or handling of medium or high-risk substances (such as dangerous goods, hazardous chemicals, genetically modified organisms, bio-hazardous or radioactive substances);
   5. providing first aid or other emergency roles such as Emergency Coordinator or building warden;
   6. operating equipment or handheld power tools;
   7. performing any construction work including any licensed work e.g. plumbing, electrical tasks;
   8. any other activity which has been determined as high risk upon completion of a risk assessment in accordance with Helath and Safety Management System);
4. “high risk workspaces” means any workspace in which high risk activities are undertaken. This includes laboratories, workshops, field sites;
5. “impaired” or “impairment” means a diminishment of physical, cognitive or behavioural function as a result of alcohol, illegal drugs, over-the-counter medications, or prescription medications. Impairment can be full, partial, temporary or chronic;
6. “impaired behaviours” means behaviours which suggest that a person may be impaired which may include, but are not limited to:
   1. physical signs:  unsteady movement, poor coordination, slurred speech, drowsiness;
   2. cognitive signs: confusion, poor judgement and decision making, difficulty concentrating, slow reaction times;
   3. behavioural signs: aggression, withdrawal, erratic or risky behaviour, disregard for safety protocols or the welfare of themselves or others;
   4. performance indicators: repeated mistakes, inability to follow instructions, unsafe operation of equipment.
7. “University related context” means any context that is connected to the University, including:
   1. at or in connection with:
      1. University premises or facilities;
      2. a student residence or accommodation located on any premises under the control or management of the University;
      3. University run or organised teaching, learning, assessment or extra-curricular activities, including nay off-campus activity, field work, clinical, practicum, internship or work experience placement;
      4. an overseas exchange, study abroad, enabling, non-award or other University approved program;
      5. a University event;
      6. the use of information technology services and equipment owned, monitored or facilitated by the University;
   2. when representing the University in any capacity; or
   3. in circumstances where the individual is identifiable by their conduct, words or clothing as a member of the University community.
8. “University community” includes all current and former staff, Council members, all current and former students, members and employees of student organisations and alumni networks, University campus tenants, University volunteers, partners, visitors, affiliated and controlled entities, including their employees and consultants;
9. “University event” means any event that is organised or endorsed by the University, including by University business operations, University-controlled entities, student associations, and University clubs affiliated with student associations or NUSport.