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CASA media release - Monday, 9 October 2006
Sydney’ aviation industry gets ready for drug and alcohol testing

Everyone working in Sydney’s aviation industry is being urged to take part in a special workshop today to get ready for the introduction of alcohol and other drugs testing.

New rules for alcohol and other drugs testing of people working in safety-sensitive aviation jobs are set to come into effect next year.

This will see pilots, aircraft engineers, air traffic controllers, cabin crew, refuellers, baggage handlers and other people with airside access all subject to a range of testing.

The Civil Aviation Safety Authority is currently developing regulations which will set out how the alcohol and other drugs testing regime will operate.

Sydney’s aviation industry can attend today’s workshop to get an overview of the proposed testing regime, as well as learning about the safety dangers of alcohol and other drugs in aviation.

The Federal Government announced earlier this year that regulations to impose mandatory testing would be introduced.

Testing can cover screening people applying for safety-sensitive aviation jobs, random on-the-job checks and monitoring the rehabilitation of people in safety-sensitive jobs.

CASA is aiming to release details later this year of the proposed testing responsibilities of aviation organisations, who will carry out tests, when tests should be done, how results will be reported and penalties for breaches.

The Sydney alcohol and other drugs testing workshop will be held on Monday 9 October 2006 at the Mecure Hotel, Sydney Airport, 20 Levey Street, Arncliffe.

There are two sessions: 2pm to 5pm and 6pm to 9pm. Bookings are not required.

Media contact:
Peter Gibson
mobile 0419 296 446
Ref: MR0655