They say politicians are representatives of the community, but that doesn’t always mean they represent the community in the right way. Take, for example, the case of an independent Tasmanian MP.
Late last year, MP Craig Garland was caught behind the wheel while under the influence of drugs. The incident occurred when police pulled him over in the state’s north-west for routine roadside drug testing. Garland returned a positive result for cannabis. He recently admitted guilt in court and is now awaiting sentencing.
While the case may seem relatively minor, the consequences go beyond a potential loss of licence or a court fine. When someone in a public position — someone expected to model appropriate behaviour — is caught drug driving, it damages community trust. It also reinforces something we all know too well: people can and do make incredibly poor decisions under the influence of drugs or alcohol.
And unfortunately, those poor decisions often don’t just hurt the individual involved.
Drunk incident leaves Hobart man in hot water
Take another recent incident in Hobart, which serves as a disturbing reminder of how dangerous impaired behaviour can become.
In August last year, an Uber driver was left terrified after a passenger allegedly tried to carjack him. According to reports, the man jumped into the front seat, tried to wrestle control of the vehicle, and even put the driver in a headlock.
Police later charged the 33-year-old with multiple offences including attempted aggravated carjacking and assault. While toxicology results weren’t publicly disclosed, court proceedings highlighted that the man had consumed a bottle of spirits and half a carton of beer.
In June, the Hobart man was sentenced to 15 months in jail, suspended for two years.
These two incidents may be isolated, but they shine a spotlight on a broader truth: when people are under the influence of drugs or alcohol, their judgement is often the first thing to go. The results can be embarrassing at best, and dangerous or even deadly at worst.
Drug and alcohol in Tasmania’s workplaces
This reality is particularly important for workplaces to understand. Especially in safety-sensitive industries like transport, construction, mining and manufacturing, where the consequences of someone being impaired can be catastrophic. From operating machinery and driving vehicles to working at heights or in confined spaces, impaired judgement and slower reflexes can lead to accidents, serious injuries, or even fatalities.
That’s why a proactive and robust approach to drug and alcohol management isn’t a luxury — it’s a necessity.
At Integrity Sampling, we understand the risks and provide a complete solution for managing drug and alcohol use in the workplace. With three locations across Tasmania — in Hobart, Launceston and Devonport — we work closely with businesses to create safer, more productive working environments.
Our services go beyond simply conducting drug and alcohol testing. We also assist businesses with policy development, education and training. Our approach is tailored to the needs of each client, with the goal of building a culture of safety and accountability.
Importantly, we use reliable, legally defensible testing equipment and practices, including saliva-based drug testing that is ideal for detecting recent use and impairment. Our experienced technicians are trained to conduct tests efficiently and discreetly, with minimal disruption to business operations.
If you’re a business owner or manager in Tasmania and don’t yet have a drug and alcohol management plan in place, now is the time to act. Don’t wait for an incident to occur. Contact Integrity Sampling in Tasmania and let us help you safeguard your workplace, your people, and your reputation.
FEATURED IMAGE CAPTION:
Poor decisions under the influence can lead to disaster — especially at work. Discover why drug and alcohol safety matters in Tasmanian workplaces. Credit Laura Barry https://unsplash.com/photos/green-trees-near-body-of-water-during-daytime-HxjKuSna5Eo
