One Nation (NSW Division) Media Release - 29/5/2007
LEGAL PROFESSION SHOULD BE DRUG-TESTED LIKE EVERYONE ELSE
It was reported in the Sydney Morning Herrald of May 16th that Melbourne
QC and former chairman of the National Crime Authority, Peter Faris, says
he has information suggesting there is a drug problem in the legal
profession in Victoria and NSW.
Seeing the practice of law is such a vital field, why not then randomly
drug test lawyers as happens with people involved in other trades?.
Crane drivers and professional footballers, for instance, are drug
tested, does the legal profession consider they are of less important
social status?
Furthermore, a motorist can be forced to do a random breath test for
the safety of other motorists, so why should lawyers object to
submitting to random drug tests for the protection of their clients?
Pursuing a court case requires alertness, powers of instant recall and
attention to detail, which you don't exactly have if you just spent a
weekend snorting cocaine.
Cocaine and methamphetamine use is said to be substantial among the
wealthier sections of the community who can afford such drugs. Is it too
much to suggest that this select group might include lawyers?
If no lawyers use drugs, then they should have nothing to hide.
How would society feel if a serial killer were found innocent and let free
to roam trhe streets because a Crown Prosecutor or some lawyers in the
Attorney General's Department made a hash of the Crown's case due to being under the influence of drugs?
Only the arrogance of the legal profession who might think they are above
the strictures of the rest of society could stop this sensible proposal
being implemented.
Then again another problem might be that most members of parliament who
could put statutes in place to enforce it are former lawyers themselves.
Statement issued May 29th, 2007 on behalf of One Nation (NSW Division) by Bob Vinnicombe Publicity Officer
For more information contact Bob Vinnicombe 0407949963 / (02) 96454910