Pubdate: Wed, 31 Jan 2007
Source: Advertiser, The (Australia)
Copyright: 2007 Advertiser Newspapers Ltd
Contact: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/opinion/sendletter
Website: http://www.news.com.au/adelaidenow/
Details: http://www.mapinc.org/media/1
Author: Greg Kelton, State Political Reporter
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/testing.htm (Drug Test)
Bookmark: http://www.mapinc.org/youth.htm (Youth)

MP STEPS UP PUSH FOR SCHOOL DRUG TESTING

DRUGS campaigner and Upper House MP Ann Bressington is  stepping up 
her push for random drug testing in  schools.

She flew to Melbourne today for talks with two private  colleges that 
have already introduced drug-testing of  students.

Ms Bressington has a private member's Bill before the  Legislative 
Council that provides for compulsory  testing twice yearly for 
students aged more than 14.

Students who refused tests could be suspended for up to  five days 
and reports on tests would be provided to  parents.

"The reaction from parents has been overwhelmingly  positive and 
supportive in SA," Ms Bressington said.

"However, there are a few checks and balances I would  like to ensure 
will be included in the legislation to  protect the rights of 
students and parents alike.

"The schools I am visiting have had school drug testing  policies in 
place for several years now and both parent  and school communities 
have welcomed and embraced the  spirit behind such a move."

Ms Bressington said there was a need to move past our  resistance to 
change for the safety and protection of  children.

She also said there was new testing technology  available that would 
dramatically cut the cost for the  Government and which was far more 
accurate than mouth  swabs.

Ms Bressington said a new skin testing technology had  FDA approval 
and was already being used in workplace  drug testing in Australia.

"It is non-invasive and the possibility of a false  positive reading 
is eliminated with this test," she  said.

Ms Bressington's move has already been rejected by the  Government, 
the Greens, the Democrats and school  organisations.
- ---
MAP posted-by: Beth Wehrman