BUS AND TRUCK DRIVERS USING DRUGS

Bus, truck and taxi drivers are among the biggest users in the
workforce of amphetamines, including "ice", a party drug that causes
psychotic episodes.

More than a third of amphetamine users reported turning up to work
under the influence in the past three months. Use of the drug is
also prevalent in the hospitality, agriculture and construction industries.

The findings come from the National Centre for Education and
Training on Addiction at Adelaide's Flinders University. They will
be presented today at the Australasian Amphetamine Conference, the
first national conference to examine amphetamine use in Australia.

Using responses from the 2004 National Drug Strategy Household
Survey, which surveyed almost 30,000 people about patterns of drug
use, researchers found workers aged between 18 and 29 were the most
likely to use amphetamines.

NSW Police have announced random drug testing of drivers for speed,
cannabis and ecstasy, after research from the NSW Health Commission
found one-in-five truck drivers reported using illegal drugs while working.

Professor Anne Roche, from Flinders University, said more than 12
per cent of male workers aged 18 to 29 -- and 9 per cent of females
- -- reported using amphetamines in the past 12 months.

"Of the people who use illicit drugs there are many more people who
are in paid employment than who are not," she said.

"Research also indicates amphetamine use is on the rise."

But the Rail, Tram and Bus Industry Union said few public transport
workers had tested positive for drugs or alcohol.