New Year's Eve revellers in Sydney are being warned to remember `no means no' on what is one of the most dangerous nights of the year for sexual assault.
Party-goers were given a stern reminder on Friday by the government: having sex with someone who has not given their express consent - including when they are asleep or unconscious - is sexual assault.
The NSW government has introduced a legal definition of consent to make it clear that unless a person freely and voluntarily agrees to sex, it is sexual assault, Attorney-General John Hatzistergos said in a statement.
"There are no excuses for offenders claiming they believed the other person consented because she or he was too drunk to say no," Mr Hatzistergos said.
New Year's Eve traditionally sees an increase in sexual assaults, he said.
"Those who seek to take advantage of people during tonight's festivities face being thrown in jail for up to 20 years for aggravated sexual assault and face life in prison for gang rape," he said on Friday.
Tampering with someone else's drink can also lead to a jail sentence.
Mr Hatzistergos urged revellers to know their limits, take care of their friends and not accept drinks from strangers.
More than 2600 police men and women will be on Sydney's streets on the night, particularly in the known party spots.
Counselling services for victims of sexual assault are available from the NSW Rape Crisis Centre on 1800 424 017.
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