LET’S STAY SAFE
Chief speaks against drugs

Sergeant Leisa Zantuck receives an affectionate welcome home from her husband, Flight Sergeant Stephen Zantuck, at RAAF Base Townsville on her return from deployment in the Solomon Islands. She was among the first rotation of Air Force members to come back last week.

Photo by Scott Radford-Chisholm/Townsville Bulletin

THE risks are high for personnel who use illegal drugs – they jeopardise their health, their careers, the safety of their workmates and workplace security.

That’s the message from CAF Air Marshal Angus Houston, who reiterated that the Air Force has a zero-tolerance to non-medical drug use.

“Regardless of rank, ADF members are subject to both disciplinary action under civil and military law, and administrative action. This action could result in their discharge if our people are found to be in breach of the policy,” AIRMSHL Houston said.

“I am worried that some of our people are taking risks with their own health and potentially engaging in activities that could also place their workmates in danger.

“Unsafe workplaces are one of the greatest risks to our people – the nature of military aviation and airbase support is inherently dangerous and you are letting down the team when you turn up for work impaired from drug use.”

He said members should be aware that the non-medical use of drugs posed a security risk. “Drug use and the lifestyle generally surrounding such practices are at odds with maintaining a secure work environment,” he said.

“As the Chief of Air Force I have a legislated responsibility – a duty of care – to ensure that our people are kept as safe as possible. Commanders, managers and supervisors at all levels are also responsible to care for our people.”

“That care encompasses not just physical but also emotional and mental welfare,” AIRMSHL Houston said. “I expect professionalism from all our people and the non-medical use of drugs is not professional behaviour.”

As part of a values-based organisation, members were honour-bound to come forward with information about personnel suspected of using illicit drugs, or if they were involved in substance abuse.

While a minority of personnel were involved in drug use, AIRMSHL Houston said, “From my perspective, any level of usage within Air Force is a concern.”

Those who were suspected of illegal drug use would be directed to undergo a urinalysis that, if positive, would result in disciplinary or administrative action, including discharge.

AIRMSHL Houston said the Air Force had achieved great successes during the past 12 months and he was proud of the achievements of its members.

“I believe we are a strong team, motivated and committed to achieving our Vision and to continuing to be respected by the Australian Government and the broader community,” he said.

“I am confident that we will continue our successes as long as we all remain focused and committed to upholding Air Force values – and to ensuring we also adhere to the law of the land which prohibits illicit drug use.”

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