The last week has sparked discussion which is sure to cause much controversy in Canberra and beyond. At the centre of the discussion is a simple question, should pollies be subjected to drug and alcohol testing?
The question was posed by Independent MP Zali Steggal to the Prime Minister, Anthony Albanese, in Federal Parliament Question Time recently. According to an article on the Women’s Agenda website, he batted away the proposal, saying that while he understands the concerns he believes pollies should aspire to act responsibly at all times.
“There have been, of course, issues from time to time in the parliament,” Mr Albanese said. “But one of the things about our jobs is we’re accountable. Every three years, at least, we go to the Australian people and we’re accountable for what we say and what we do and how we act.
“And that is a democratic process that is appropriate. I would have thought that we are all responsible adults and we should act appropriately out of respect for the people who vote to put us here.”
The question from Ms. Stegall follows footage of the former deputy prime minister Barnaby Joyce, lying on the street after a parliamentary sitting. He later claimed it was due to mixing alcohol with prescription medicine.
As the Women’s Agenda article points out, a strong presence of alcohol was one of the key issues highlighted in Kate Jenkins’ Set the Standard report released in 2021. The report also highlighted that there was a problematic drinking culture in Parliament House and alcohol was a risk factor for bullying, sexual harassment and sexual assault.
One of the report’s key recommendations was for the implementation of comprehensive alcohol policies and a restriction of availability of alcohol.
What’s your opinion? Should pollies face drug and alcohol testing?
It’s not the first time that the question of drug alcohol testing pollies has been raised and it won’t be the last.
So, what’s your opinion?
Before you answer – and let’s face it, most people are going to say yes because it’s a popular vote – consider this. In Australia, unlike some countries, notably the United States, workplace drug and alcohol testing has always been about safety. It’s why workers such as miners, pilots, truck drivers, manufacturing workers and others face testing, while white collar workers generally don’t.
You could argue that politicians are making key decisions that affect the running of the country and therefore they should face drug and alcohol testing regularly. However, it’s a stretch to link this with specifically with safety. If you think politicians should face testing, you could just as easily make a case for testing managers, supervisors, accountants, lawyers and virtually anyone in any job role.
Perhaps a better argument – as the Women’s Agenda article implies – is that alcohol is causing significant work health and safety issues at Parliament House. However, restricting alcohol and having stricter policies, as recommended in Kate Jenkins’ report, may be enough; implementing drug and alcohol testing may be taking it a step to far.
So, what is your opinion? Should pollies face drug and alcohol testing? It may not be our next referendum topic, but it does make for an interesting and heated discussion!
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Should politicians face drug and alcohol testing? While there are some that argue strongly that they should, there are potential reasons why it might be a bridge too far. Credit Social Estate https://unsplash.com/photos/brown-concrete-pathway-during-night-P-t9yap_20M
