Help
Safety
Who to call and where to report for musicians and gig-goers in Sydney and NSW: sexual harassment and assault, drink spiking, discrimination, unsafe venues and hearing.
Numbers to keep
000Police, ambulance or fire in an emergency.
1800 424 017NSW Sexual Violence Helpline, 24 hours, free.
1800 959 500Support Act, 24 hours, free for anyone working in music.
1If It's Happening Now
- In an emergency call 000.
- For police help that isn't urgent, call the Police Assistance Line on 131 444.
- At venues in the Ask for Angela scheme, run by local liquor accords, asking the bar staff for Angela gets you taken somewhere safe.
- If you think your drink was spiked, get somewhere safe with someone you trust. Go to hospital if you feel unwell, and ask for a test: urine and blood tests can pick up some drugs up to 24 hours later. Report it to the venue and the police.
Source: NSW Police, drink spiking fact sheet.
2Sexual Harassment and Assault
NSW Sexual Violence Helpline24 hours
- WhatCounselling for anyone in NSW affected by sexual violence, including friends and family. Run by Full Stop Australia.
- Call1800 424 017, or online counselling on their site.
- Linkfullstop.org.au
1800RESPECT24 hours
- WhatNational counselling for sexual, domestic and family violence.
- Call1800 737 732, or text 0458 737 732.
- Link1800respect.org.au
Rainbow Sexual, Domestic and Family Violence Helpline24 hours
- WhatSupport for LGBTQ+ people.
- Call1800 497 212.
- Linkfullstop.org.au
NSW Police Sexual Assault Reporting OptionOnline
- WhatAn online form for adults to tell NSW Police about a sexual assault.
- Linkportal.police.nsw.gov.au
NSW Health Sexual Assault ServicesHospitals
- WhatHospital sexual assault services across NSW, with medical care and counselling.
- Linkhealth.nsw.gov.au
3Problems with a Venue
Liquor & Gaming NSWLicensed venues
- WhatReports about a licensed venue, its staff or how it's run. You can report anonymously.
- Call1300 024 720, weekdays 9am to 4pm, or use the online form.
- Linknsw.gov.au
SafeWork NSWWork safety
- WhatUnsafe stages, gear or work conditions, and bullying and sexual harassment at work, including at a gig you're paid to play.
- Call13 10 50. You can also report anonymously with the Speak Up Save Lives app.
- Linksafework.nsw.gov.au
Since June 2025, the NSW responsible service of alcohol course that bar staff must pass includes training on preventing sexual harassment and assault.
4Discrimination and Harassment at Work
Anti-Discrimination NSWFree
- WhatComplaints about discrimination, sexual harassment, vilification and victimisation. Complaints are settled by conciliation first.
- Call1800 670 812, or [email protected].
- Linkantidiscrimination.nsw.gov.au
Australian Human Rights CommissionFree
- WhatComplaints about discrimination and sexual harassment under federal law, including at work.
- Call1300 656 419, weekdays 10am to 4pm, or complain online.
- Linkhumanrights.gov.au
Fair Work Commission
- WhatOrders to stop sexual harassment connected with work, within two years of it happening. People running their own business, such as a musician with an ABN, can apply.
- Linkfwc.gov.au
The music industry has no complaints body of its own. Creative Workplaces, part of Creative Australia, began writing a national code of conduct for contemporary music in March 2026. It gives information and referrals and doesn't take complaints.
5Support
Support Act Wellbeing Helpline24 hours
- WhatFree counselling for anyone working in music in any role, including for stress, conflict and problems at work. Up to twelve free sessions a year.
- Call1800 959 500, or live chat on their site.
- Linksupportact.org.au
Lifeline24 hours
- WhatCrisis support.
- Call13 11 14, or text 0477 13 11 14.
- Linklifeline.org.au
Musicians AustraliaUnion
- WhatThe musicians' union. Members get advice from staff and public liability insurance.
- Cost$3.89 a week.
- Linkmusiciansaustralia.org
Arts Law Centre of AustraliaNational
- WhatFree legal advice for artists who meet the means test.
- Linkartslaw.com.au
6If You Aren't Paid
Unpaid gig fees are covered on the Money page.
7Hearing
- The workplace limit in NSW is an average of 85 decibels over eight hours.
- Hearing Australia recommends music earplugs at gigs, and standing further back from the speakers.
- Custom musicians' earplugs are made from a mould of your ear, with filters that cut the volume by 9 to 25 decibels. Two Sydney clinics put them at about $250 to $450.
- A hearing test at Hearing Australia costs $195 for ages 26 to 54. Call 134 432.
Precision HearingDarlinghurst, St Leonards, Kogarah, Bondi Junction
- WhatCustom musicians' earplugs with 10, 15 or 25 decibel filters.
- Call02 9360 7779.
- Linkprecisionhearing.com.au
The Audiology PlaceEpping and Forestville
- WhatCustom musicians' earplugs, about $250 to $450.
- Call02 9315 8327.
- Linktheaudiologyplace.com.au
Audience HearingLiverpool, Leppington, Mt Annan, Wollongong
- WhatCustom musicians' earplugs with 9, 15 or 25 decibel filters, mostly $250 to $450.
- Call1300 432 748.
- Linkaudiencehearing.com.au
Hills AudiologyCastle Hill
- WhatCustom earplugs for musicians.
- Call02 7226 5899.
- Linkhillsaudiology.com.au