DUTY OF CARE
Alcohol analysis by February

By Michael Weaver

RANDOM and targeted alcohol testing will be commonplace at all Air Force units from February next year in a measure to improve the health and safety of military personnel.

The ADF-wide alcohol testing policy will focus on education, rehabilitation and retention of personnel, with the emphasis on those employed within critical safety areas.

Minister Assisting the Minister for Defence Danna Vale said every ADF member would have an equal chance of undergoing alcohol tests.

Civilian staff, civilian visitors, and civilian contractors will not be tested.

“Limited 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,” Mrs Vale said.

Air Force medical establishments will carry out breath tests of Permanent Air Force and Reserve members when random and targeted alcohol testing – expected to begin next February – is introduced in a measure to improve the health and safety of military personnel.

With the focus on health and safety, personnel who return positive tests may be referred to the ADF Alcohol Management Program for counselling and, if necessary, treatment. Administrative action may also be taken in some cases.

Director Personnel Capability Management-Air Force Group Captain John Hewitson said all post-testing processes were a single Service responsibility. Air Force members tested at non-Air Force establishments would undergo the same testing process and follow up action as other Air Force members.

“Alcohol testing should not cause undue concern to Air Force people. The policy is aimed at deterrence. People working in safety critical areas whose performance is affected by alcohol may be detected and subsequently referred for treatment, counselling and rehabilitation as deemed necessary,” GPCAPT Hewitson said.

An Air Force Defence Instruction will be released towards the end of this year and will detail post-test administration procedures plus the rights and responsibilities of all uniformed personnel.
The alcohol testing implementation process will involve a comprehensive education and training program being throughout Air Force.

Key points for Air Force:

• Air Force medical establishments will carry out the alcohol test via breath testing.
• Unit CO/OCs are to provide appropriate support to Air Force medical establishments to assist with testing.
• Testing in the first year will be 10 per cent of personnel to establish a benchmark for future testing.

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