BRESSINGTON STANDS FIRM ON TEEN TESTS

INDEPENDENT MP Ann Bressington says she will not back down on
controversial legislation to drug test school students. Ms
Bressington said she had "in principle" agreement from nine Upper
House MPs for the legislation but refused to name them.

"I have had support from Liberal and Independent MPs," Ms
Bressington said at a press conference outside Parliament this afternoon.

"There has been a lot of misrepresentation and fear campaigning about this.

"This is not about punishment but about early detection.

"The police would not even be informed or involved."

Ms Bressington said the test would not be invasive but a simple
mouth swab the same kind of test students could be subject to on the road.

She also said she had the support of parents on the issue.