The
Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence, Danna Vale, has announced
the introduction of a new ADF-wide policy for alcohol testing.
It will introduce both random and targeted alcohol testing of
personnel in early 2004.
The policy will target improving the health and safety of military
personnel and it will focus on education, rehabilitation and retention
of ADF members.
Under the new initiative every ADF member may be required to undergo
random alcohol tests, with emphasis focused on testing those employed
within safety critical areas.
Each Service will be responsible for testing its members and Navy
will conduct a comprehensive education and training program for
members about the new scheme.
Within the focus on health and safety, members who return positive
tests may be referred to the ADF Alcohol Management Program for
counselling and, if necessary, treatment. Administrative action
may be taken in some cases.
According to the Minister alcohol misuse and abuse is a widespread
community problem and is estimated to affect between six and 11
percent of the population.
Sampling indicates that alcohol misuse in the ADF is comparable
with the civilian Australian population of similar age and gender.
These rates are too high.
“Under the ADF’s Mental Health Strategy launched last
year, Defence has already introduced a range of education and
support initiatives to help members,” Mrs Vale said.
“Alcohol and other drug treatment counsellors are being contracted
through State and Territory Alcohol services. Additionally, military
health personnel are receiving increased training in frontline
intervention and counselling strategies.
“The new testing scheme will complement the ADF Mental Health
Strategy and demonstrates Defence’s holistic approach to
addressing the impact of alcohol misuse on members’ safety,
morale and operational readiness.”
Alcohol testing of employees is already being conducted in many
civilian organisations including the New South Wales Police and
mining companies.
