Media response - Drug driving report

Questions asked by:  The Sunday Times

Subject:  Drug driving report

On May 12, the Minister tabled a review of drug driving laws. The tabling statement doesn't discuss issues raised but only says the drug testing regime remains a "challenge for WA police".

But despite what the West said today, the report recommends that drug driving testing not be widely rolled out; recommending on pp47 "That a general rollout not be performed at this point of time".

Question 1:

Is the Minister concerned that there are problems with the performance of the Cozart drug detection system failing to detect drugs (PP46 par 3 and 4)?

Question 2:

What percentage failure has there been?

Question 3.

Why have there only been five cases in court?

Minister's Response:

"Western Australia was one of the first five jurisdictions in the world to introduce random drugs testing of drivers.

"When the legislation for this was introduced, it was agreed that an independent review of the testing be carried out and tabled in parliament within 18 months.

"That review has now been tabled and it highlights a number of issues to help improve the process.

"Now that the report has been tabled, it will also be distributed amongst relevant government authorities, including the WA Police, for comment. Once this has taken place, the Road Safety Council will then make recommendations to the government for responding to these issues.

"With regard to Cozart tests, the review notes that new, more sensitive testing kits have been made available but it should be noted that WA is the only Australian jurisdiction which sends both positive and negative samples for further testing to the laboratory.

"This is new technology and there are obviously issues to be resolved. But I am delighted WA is at the forefront in tackling this growing problem on our roads."

Minister's office - 9222 9211