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Aviation Drug & Alcohol Testing Review

In March 2004 the Australian Transport Safety Bureau (ATSB) released the Aviation Safety Investigation Report - Final occurred at Hamilton Island in September 2002 . The ATSB recommended that CASA and the then Department of Transport and Regional Services (DOTARS) jointly investigate the safety benefits of drug and alcohol testing plans for safety-sensitive personnel in the Australian aviation industry.

This work was subsequently undertaken by DOTARS and CASA and, following extensive research and consultation with industry, the report was released in May 2006. The report concluded that:

• a drug and alcohol testing program would foster a safer workplace for civil aviation workers;
• the public would benefit broadly from a safer aviation sector; and
• recommended that drug and alcohol testing be introduced for safety-sensitive personnel in the Australian aviation industry.

A copy of the report "Safety Benefits of Introducing Drug and Alcohol Testing for Safety-Sensitive Personnel in the Aviation Industry." can be downloaded [PDF: 108 KB]

Following Government acceptance of the report, CASA developed regulations in consultation with the aviation industry establishing a framework for the development of drug and alcohol management plans and introducing a random drug and alcohol testing regime for all persons involved in safety-sensitive areas. The Regulations are directed at maintaining Australias reputation as a world leader in aviation safety, by ensuring that safety-sensitive participants have the physical and mental capability to perform their jobs in a safe, secure and effective manner.

More information on the CASA regulatory framework is available on the CASA website.