Police forced to wind back drug tests because of budget cuts

Liberal Budget cuts will force police to wind back attempts to detect drug drivers.

“The budget papers clearly show there will be a significant reduction in oral fluid tests which detect drug drivers,” Shadow Police Minister David Llewellyn said.

“This comes at a time when statistics show drug driver offences in Tasmania are increasing by a staggering 70 per cent.

“This is just another example of what the Liberals are prepared to sacrifice to pay for their extravagant pre-election promises.

When questioned in Parliament today, Police Minister Rene Hidding could not explain whether the planned cuts to Government supplies and consumables meant fewer oral fluid test kits would be available to police.

“It again demonstrates that Liberal Ministers have no idea of how the budget cuts will impact on Government agencies.

“Mr Hidding says police will be forced to reduce the number of drug driver tests from 1800 last year to 1500 but admitted he doesn’t know how the savings will be achieved.

“The Liberals need to start providing straight answers instead of dodging questions about the consequences of this budget.”
David Llewellyn MP Shadow Police Minister