DUNHAM PUSHES DOPE TEST FOR MLAS

Territory politicians would face random drug tests under a proposal
presented to the NT Parliament yesterday.

Under the move, believed to be an Australian first, the Territory's 25
elected members would face random tests for cannabis, opiates and
amphetamines. But the Opposition Private Member's Bill is likely to fail.
Opposition MP Stephen Dunham said his proposal was aimed at bringing
politicians into step with other occupations where testing is required. It
follows the announcement earlier this month that the entire Australian
Defence Force would face random drug tests, after 47 out of 97 soldiers at
Darwin's Robertson barracks tested positive to illicit substances.

"I think in society there are a lot of groups _ sportsmen, professional
drivers, pilots, our whole defence force and people who work on mining sites
who are subject to random drug testing," Mr Dunham said. "I think that if
politicians are inclined to make rules of that type they should abide by
them.

"I also believe that people in the wider society expect elected leaders to
not only adhere to standards of behaviour and ethics, but maybe even have
higher standards.

"I don't think it's a problem to demonstrate to the people that an attitude
of zero tolerance to illicit drugs is in our parliament."

Mr Dunham said he expected some of the tests - to be conducted at least
annually - would return positive results.

"It's possible (there will be positive readings) because the drug testing is
fairly accurate and it can pick up drugs sometime after people have used
them recreationally," he said.

The Leader of Government Business and Police Minister Paul Henderson said
the Government was unlikely to support the bid. "My first instinct is he
hasn't identified a problem which he is seeking to cure with this Bill," Mr
Henderson said. "I believe it is purely a political stunt."

The Bill is expected to be debated early next year.