Parliamentary Inquiry to Put Drug Laws to the Test

MEASURES like roadside drug tests for people driving on medication, and sniffer dogs at music festivals would be put under the microscope in a proposed parliamentary inquiry into drug laws.

The call for the drug probe will be put to Parliament tomorrow and is expected to see ministers delve into issues on synthetic, pharmaceutical and illegal substances.

The impairment of drivers on prescription drugs such as Xanax and OxyContin will be probed along with the idea of introducing involuntary rehabilitation for ice addicts rather than jail.

The motion will be introduced to Parliament by Sex Party MP Fiona Patten.

“This is not about legalising drugs, it’s about looking at how effective our current drug policies are,’’ Ms Patten said.

Both major parties are expected to support the motion in principle. But Opposition police spokesman Edward O’Donohue raised concerns.

“While we are yet to see the final motion, it is inconceivable to weaken drug laws at a time when our community is facing growing challenges with crimes associated with drug use,’’ he said.