DRUGFREE DEFENCE
Recent drug tests at Robertson Army Barracks in Darwin have shown that 47 out of 97 soldiers tested had used illicit drugs.
This high proportion of army personnel that had used an illicit drug was reported to a Senate committee.
Military and civilian police raided the barracks last month after reports of widespread illicit drug use.
Government officials have ordered random drug tests for Australian Defence Force personnel in the future suggesting 10% of personnel will be tested in the first year.
Officials concede that illicit drug use impedes judgment and puts at risk other defence force personnel.
(Source: The Age Melbourne 6/11/03)
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL COMMENTS
Truthful information is essential in reducing illicit drug use and it is clear that defence personnel have not been given accurate information about the dangers of illicit drugs.
Random drug tests aimed at 10% of personnel in any year will not solve the problem.
Sweden had a similar problem of illicit drug use by defence personnel and they provided compulsory detoxification and rehabilitation to those affected. So that they were drug free.
All Australian citizens having access to firearms or in dangerous occupations should be drug free at all times.
More detoxification & rehabilitation that get illicit users drug free.
More truthful information about the harm of all illicit drugs.
Court ordered and supervised detoxification & rehabilitation programs.
Less illicit drug users, drug pushers and drug related crimes.
DRUG ADVISORY COUNCIL OF AUSTRALIA Inc.
Our web site at www.daca.org.au has more information about illicit drugs.
12/2003