“Many people affected by the 2003 Canberra bushfires believe their local communities and neighbourhoods were strengthened after the fires.”5 June: Will potential accidents be avoided with the implementation of roadside drug testing? How do drugs affect driving ability and to what extent? Does roadside drug testing violate drivers’ human rights? How might roadside testing in the ACT be done? What does the research show?
These are some of the questions to be addressed at a forum on drugs and driving at the University of Canberra TOMORROW. The Forum will be chaired by the University’s head of pharmacy Dr Gabrielle Cooper.
“It is already illegal to drive under the influence of any substance,” Dr Cooper said.
“This forum is about promoting discussion about future drug driving policy and encouraging people to make a submission to the ACT review of alcohol and drug driving laws.”
Diverse groups including older drivers, truck drivers, drug campaigners and politicians will attend the forum. Speakers will include ACT human rights and discrimination commissioner Dr Helen Watchirs and experts from Victoria Police, NSW Police and the ACT Government.
The University’s Faculty of Health has previously carried out local research into drug-driving and roadside drug testing with ACT Policing and ACT Government Analytical Laboratory through funding from the ACT NRMA Road Safety Trust.
Dr Cooper is available for interview.
WHAT: Drugs and Driving Forum
WHEN: Friday 6 June, Forum: 11am to 1pm
Photo opportunity: Testing device demonstration from 1pm
WHERE: Health Sciences Theatre, room 12B50, building 12, University of Canberra
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