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DOTARS06/056WT - 2 May 2006
Drug and alcohol testing mandated for aviation industry

The Australian Government today announced the aviation sector will be required by regulation to introduce mandatory drug and alcohol testing for safety-sensitive personnel.

The Australian Government Minister for Transport and Regional Services, Warren Truss, said pilots, flight crew, cabin crew, ground refuellers, baggage handlers, security screeners, air traffic controllers and other personnel with airside access at airports will become subject to drug and alcohol testing.

"The road transport industry and other sectors such as mining and forestry have already moved to address the safety risks posed by drug and alcohol use. It is appropriate for the aviation sector to do likewise."

Mr Truss said a broad approach to testing in various forms would be adopted.

"Testing could involve screening applicants prior to them taking on safety-sensitive roles, random on-the-job testing and monitoring the effectiveness of rehabilitation as an employee prepares to return to work."

Mr Truss said various drug and alcohol tests had been successfully introduced in a number of overseas nations.

"Testing, particularly in the United States and Europe, has been shown to reduce aviation safety risks arising from drug and alcohol use."

"The testing will be supported by educational initiatives to warn of the dangers posed by drug and alcohol use, including prescription and over-the-counter medicines, and the additional risks they can pose in a safety-sensitive, aviation environment."

Mr Truss said civil aviation regulations will be developed to facilitate a range of testing, to be implemented by industry, with a reporting requirement to the aviation safety regulator CASA. A similar system has existed in the United States for many years.

"I encourage the aviation industry to make full use of the consultative processes in place to ensure that the most appropriate form of regulation, in an Australian context, is achieved," he said.

The Australian Transport and Safety Bureau, which investigates aviation accidents, will also have its powers expanded to enable testing to occur after accidents and incidents.

A copy of the Department of Transport and Regional Services recommendations on drug and alcohol testing, which the Government has accepted, is available at http://www.dotars.gov.au/

Media contact:
Kylie Butler (Mr Truss's Office)
Ph: 02 6277 7680 or 0417 652 488
Web: www.ministers.dotars.gov.au