Australian Parliament must adopt a workplace policy of zero alcohol and drugs.

It’s time for our Federal Houses of Parliament to be alcohol and drug free, like other Australian workplaces.

The performance of the Deputy Prime Minister in question time on 4 August 2021 has once again brought into sharp relief the lower standard accepted by the parliamentarians compared with any other workplace in Australia. While we will never conclude with certainty whether he was impaired by alcohol because there is no drug and alcohol testing nor is there any expectation that our parliamentarians will not be drunk at work.

It’s essential that the people of Australia know that their representatives perform to the best of their ability. Parliament is not a social event. Our representatives are at work. We, the Australian people, are entitled to confidence that our parliamentarians perform at their best when advocating for their electorates and acting in the best interests of all Australians.

The Parliament of Australia is currently playing catch up on other workplace reforms related to respectful relationships. An environment where intoxication is permitted, normalised, or even encouraged is a dangerous one and one in which disrespect and sexual harassment flourish. As does criminal conduct.

It‘s time, Prime Minister, to introduce 21st century workplace practices in the Parliament of Australia.

Australian Parliament must adopt a workplace policy of zero alcohol and drugs.