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.
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MAP posted-by: Larry Seguin