Industry News & Updates

Workplace safety in Australia requires managing drug and alcohol risks under WHS laws. A Drug and Alcohol Management Plan (DAMP) provides a clear framework covering education, testing and response. It defines policies, responsibilities and procedures, helping organisations reduce incidents, meet legal obligations and maintain safe, productive, fit-for-work employees and wellbeing.

In a driverless future, roadside drug and alcohol testing won’t disappear – it will evolve. Australia’s unique road conditions, human oversight, and mixed vehicle fleet mean drugs and/ or alcohol remain a critical safety risk.

NSW’s proposed cannabis driving law reforms are an important step toward fairness – but they also introduce new layers of complexity. Currently, it remains an offence in NSW to drive with THC present in the body – even with a valid medicinal cannabis prescription. However, proposed reforms would allow eligible drivers to register with Transport for NSW and be exempt from the ‘drug presence’ offence.

In 2026, workplace training has become a critical frontline control for managing risk. Organisations can no longer rely on policy alone – supervisors need clear protocols, practical tools, and confidence. Discover why modern training approaches are essential to improving safety outcomes, reducing incidents, and strengthening compliance in an increasingly complex risk environment.

According to a May 2026 Yahoo News report, a Sydney driver was pulled over for a routine roadside screening and returned a positive result for methamphetamine — despite insisting she had never used illicit drugs. The only unusual factor? She had just finished a popular energy drink moments before being tested. While a second test returned a negative result, the experience highlights an area of drug testing that both workplaces and motorists should understand.

Australian small businesses can take advantage of the Instant Asset Write-Off to immediately deduct eligible assets under $20,000 until 30 June 2026. It’s an ideal time to review and upgrade your drug and alcohol testing instruments while ensuring your business meets the relevant eligibility requirements before the financial year ends.

Managing workplace drug risk requires more than trust alone. Even in highly trusted roles, drug and alcohol use occurs, with serious safety consequences. Implementing practical, proactive controls that enable early detection assists in reducing risk, supporting consistent decision-making, and ensuring safer outcomes for workers, operations, and the broader community.

Australia’s latest wastewater report reveals rising drug use, including substances not covered in standard workplace testing. This creates a growing gap between real-world risk and current programs. Expanding testing is possible but must be supported by compliant procedures, clear communication, and informed consent to ensure defensible, effective workplace safety outcomes.

Australia’s latest wastewater data reveals drug use is rising, with record consumption across key illicit substances. These trends highlight a growing and evolving risk that extends beyond the community into the workplace. For organisations, effective, proactive drug and alcohol programs are essential to manage risk, protect safety, and support consistent, defensible outcomes.

Global regulators are responding to rising drug risks, with testing rates increasing – including a 50% random testing requirement in the US. In Australia, effective drug and alcohol programs remain critical to workplace safety, productivity, and compliance, requiring consistent, practical application beyond policy to deliver defensible, real-world outcomes.

Regulator data shows that failures rarely stem from a single issue, but from a combination of organisational, environmental, and human factors. Even the strongest systems rely on capable people – making confident, informed decisions on the ground where safety outcomes are determined.

With cocaine consumption at record highs nationwide, organisations must ensure their approach to drug and alcohol management is robust, consistent, and defensible. The right systems, policies, and testing programs reduce risk, support confident decision-making, and protect your workforce. Now is the time to review your approach and strengthen your response.