CASA Media Release - Friday, 14 May 2004
Aviation drug and alcohol testing review
Australia’s aviation industry is being called on to take an active role in a review of the safety benefits of drug and alcohol testing for key aviation personnel.
The Deputy Prime Minister and Minister for Transport and Regional Services, John Anderson, has ordered a comprehensive study of the options for drug and alcohol testing in aviation, the impact on safety and costs.
The review is being carried out by the Department of Transport and Regional Services and the Civil Aviation Safety Authority. A detailed report will be delivered to Mr Anderson before the end of this year.
The team carrying out the review is calling for submissions from all sectors of the aviation industry, as well as the travelling public and other interested parties.
Key issues to be addressed include:
- Should drug and alcohol testing be on a random or regular basis
- Who would carry out the tests
- Which aviation personnel would be tested
- Should testing be part of the safety management system for aviation organisations
- Costs of establishing and running testing programs.
CASA’s chief executive officer, Bruce Byron, says the views of the aviation industry and public will be fully considered by the review team.
“The team will look at existing research and practical lessons from other industries that have introduced drug and alcohol testing in the workplace,” Mr Byron says.
“But we also need the views of people from across the aviation spectrum – large and small airlines, charter operations, agricultural aviation, pilots, engineers, air traffic controllers and others.
“At the same time we want to hear from the public, unions and anyone else with information, ideas or comments.”
The review will examine the benefits of drug and alcohol management programs for the aviation industry to support or substitute for testing.
Details of how to make submissions are at: http://www.casa.gov.au/media/drugtesting.htm and http://www.dotars.gov.au/
Media contact
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0414