BY DANEIE GEDDES
Yesterday, Newcastle MP Tim Crakanthorp tabled a petition in Parliament calling on the government to mandate drink spiking and sexual violence training for all licensed venue staff in NSW.
Last financial year, Newcastle accounted for the second highest number of spiking reports in NSW.
The petition was created by Hunter-based advocacy group What Were You Wearing, targeting the growing number of drink spiking cases in the region.
The petition garnered a mass of support from the local community, reaching over 20,000 signatures.
Tim Crakanthorp said the issue needs to properly be addressed.
"The petition calls for spiking prevention kits, educational resources, and posters in venues to promote patron safety and awareness," he said.
"The whole idea of What Were You Wearing is aimed at reducing the stigma put on victims."
What Were You Wearing Media Vice President Marcie Cheers said they've reached some remarkable milestones but there's still more to be done.
"It's the first step in a very long battle, we've definitely hit some amazing goals, but its not over yet; it's over to the politicians now to decide the fate of drink spiking and sexual assault training," she said.
Tim Crakanthorp says the matter should be debated in the next month.
