DRUG and alcohol testing in shearing sheds has been proposed in an effort to tackle widespread reports of crystal methamphetamine, ice abuse in the wool industry.
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A national taskforce, including the Australian Shearing Contractors Association, National Farmers Federation, Australian Workers Union and Wool Producers Australia, was formed late last year to curb escalating concerns about the use of ice and alcohol.
The Wool Industry Stakeholder Group’s drug and alcohol policy was unveiled at a national summit attended by nearly 100 wool industry stakeholders and farm leaders in Adelaide last week.
The policy is a major shift on managing drugs and alcohol in sheds and includes facility for testing shed staff.
The policy suggests testing may be undertaken in response to a suspicion of impairment or following a workplace “near miss”.
Employers will be notified of testing before work, followed by saliva drug tests by an external professional provider, and alcohol testing via a breathalyser.
A positive alcohol test means a reading above 0.05 grams of alcohol in every hundred millilitres of blood.
“Where an impairment is confirmed, the person may be subject to disciplinary action,” the policy says. “In the event that an alleged breach of the law is identified, the matter will be referred to police.”
WoolProducers Australia chief executive Jo Hall said given the practicality of drug testing and enforcement challenges, the group did not support mandatory testing at this stage.
“Hopefully (the report) provides an opportunity for open discussion within the industry in shearing sheds around the country,” she said.
The taskforce was established after the AWU aired concerns to the NFF about drug and alcohol abuse in the shearing industry.
“Nobody has any quantifiable way of saying how little or how much ice is being used in the wool industry,” Ms Hall said.
“We don’t believe it is any more prevalent in the shearing industry than other industries.”
Annabelle Cleeland
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
Annabelle Cleeland is Fairfax Media’s national sheep and wool writer. Annabelle joined the Fairfax team in 2012 to nurture her love of Australian agriculture. She began as the Victorian western district reporter at Stock & Land before taking on a senior position as a journalist reporting on all industries statewide. Annabelle’s appetite to report on issues which affect the sheep and wool industry has seen her travel to many parts of Australia and abroad. She is excited to spin industry yarns during a period of substantial demand for the sheepmeat and wool industries. Annabelle enjoys horse riding and climbing mountains, and is a lazy supporter of the Geelong Football Club.
