Pubdate: Sun, 19 Jun 2005 Source: Sunday Telegraph, The (Australia) Copyright: 2005 News Limited Contact: http://www.sundaytelegraph.news.com.au/ Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/436 Author: Sharri Markson Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Testing) RANDOM DRUG TESTS FOR PARLIAMENT HOUSE Random drug testing of staff and sniffer dog patrols at Parliament House are being considered after traces of cocaine were detected outside the offices of senior Liberal and Labor MPs. Police have also vowed to step up drug sniffer dog patrols in some of Sydney's top restaurants and public places after The Sunday Telegraph last week revealed drug use was rife in A-list venues across the city. Rose Bay crime manager, Detective Inspector Grant Taylor, said there would be a new focus on drug patrols. "We haven't raided restaurants in the past, but we will look into the information that has come into our possession from The Sunday Telegraph," he said. NRL referees chief executive Robert Finch backed drug testing for match officials after tests detected cocaine in the referees' room at Sydney Football Stadium. "I'd be extremely surprised if anything showed up but I've got no problem with the idea of drug tests," Mr Finch said. A NSW parliamentary officer said a range of options was under consideration. "The findings were disturbing and the most appropriate, meaningful action has yet to be decided," he said. "Random drug testing is an option. It will be considered sooner than later. - --- MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin