2005
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)
(Mr Steve Pratt)
Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) (Random Drug Testing) Amendment Bill 2005

Contents
	Page

	1	Name of Act	2
	2	Commencement	2
	3	Legislation amended	2
	4	New section 3A	2
	5	Section 5	3
	6	Approval of operators and analysts
New section 6 (2)	4
	7	Section 6 (2) and (3)	5
	8	Sections 11 and 12	5
	9	New section 12A	8
	10	Precautions for privacy
Section 13	10
	11	Section 14 heading	10
	12	Section 14 (1)	10
	13	Section 14 (3)	10
	14	Section 14 (3) (a)	11
	15	Taking blood samples from persons in custody
Section 15 (1) (a) and (b)	11
	16	Section 15 (2) (a)	11
	17	Section 15 (3) and (4)	11
	18	Analysis of blood samples
Section 15A (1)	12
	19	Medical examinations
Section 16 (1) (a) (i)	12
	20	Protection of police officers and medical staff
Section 18 (3) (a)	12
	21	Section 18 (3) (c)	12
	22	New section 19A	13
	23	New section 22A	14
	24	Section 27 heading	15
	25	Section 27 (a)	15
	26	Certificate of evidence
New section 41 (1) (ab)	16
	27	New section 41 (1) (ba)	17
	28	Section 41 (1) (c)	18
	29	New section 41 (1) (e) (iii)	19
	30	New section 42AA	20
	31	New section 42C	20
	32	Dictionary, new definition of approved alcohol screening device	21
	33	Dictionary, new definition of approved analysis instrument	21
	34	Dictionary, definition of approved analyst	21
	35	Dictionary, definition of approved breath analysis instrument	21
	36	Dictionary, new definition of approved drug screening device	22
	37	Dictionary, definition of approved operator	22
	38	Dictionary, new definition of approved oral fluid analysis instrument	22
	39	Dictionary, definition of approved screening device	22
	40	Dictionary, new definition of assessment of drug impairment	22
	41	Dictionary, definition of disqualifying offence	23
	42	Dictionary, new definition of oral fluid analysis	23
	43	Dictionary, definition of screening test	23

2005
THE LEGISLATIVE ASSEMBLY
FOR THE AUSTRALIAN CAPITAL TERRITORY

(As presented)
(Mr Steve Pratt)
Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) (Random Drug Testing) Amendment Bill 2005

A Bill for
An Act to amend the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977

    

The Legislative Assembly for the Australian Capital Territory enacts as follows:

1	Name of Act
This Act is the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) (Random Drug Testing) Amendment Act 2005.
2	Commencement
This Act commences on a day fixed by the Minister by written notice.
Note 1	The naming and commencement provisions automatically commence on the notification day (see Legislation Act, s 75 (1)).
Note 2	A single day or time may be fixed, or different days or times may be fixed, for the commencement of different provisions (see Legislation Act, s 77 (1)).
Note 3	If a provision has not commenced within 6 months beginning on the notification day, it automatically commences on the first day after that period (see Legislation Act, s 79).
3	Legislation amended
This Act amends the Road Transport (Alcohol and Drugs) Act 1977.
4	New section 3A
insert
3A	Offences against Act—application of Criminal Code etc
Other legislation applies in relation to offences against this Act.
Note 1	Criminal Code
The Criminal Code, ch 2 applies to the following offences against this Act (see Code, pt 2.1):
·	s 19A (Driving while impaired by drug or blood drug concentration exceeded)
·	s 22A (Refusing to provide oral fluid sample)
·	s 22B (Refusing to undergo drug assessment).
The chapter sets out the general principles of criminal responsibility (including burdens of proof and general defences), and defines terms used for offences to which the Code applies (eg conduct, intention, recklessness and strict liability).
Note 2	Penalty units
The Legislation Act, s 133 deals with the meaning of offence penalties that are expressed in penalty units.
5	Section 5
substitute
5	Approval of screening devices
	(1)	The Minister may approve a device for this subsection (an approved alcohol screening device) if the Minister considers that the device—
	(a)	is designed and made to indicate, when a sample of the breath of a person is exhaled into the device, whether alcohol is present in the person’s blood and, if so, to give an indication of the concentration of alcohol in the person’s blood; and
	(b)	is suitable for use in screening tests under part 2.
	(2)	The Minister may approve a device for this subsection (an approved drug screening device) if the Minister considers that the instrument—
	(a)	is designed and made to indicate, when a sample of oral fluid of a person is collected in the device by the person chewing or sucking on it (or a particular part of it), whether a drug is present in the person’s oral fluid and if so, to give an indication of the concentration of the drug in the person’s oral fluid; and
	(b)	is suitable for use in screening tests under part 2.
	(3)	An approval under this section is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
5A	Approval of analysis instruments
	(1)	The Minister may approve an instrument for this subsection (an approved breath analysis instrument) if the Minister considers that the instrument—
	(a)	is designed and made to ascertain the concentration of alcohol present in a sample of a person’s breath and can record the concentration in grams per 100mL of blood; and
	(b)	is suitable for use in analysis under part 2.
	(2)	The Minister may approve an instrument for this subsection (an approved oral fluid analysis instrument) if the Minister considers that the instrument—
	(a)	is designed and made to ascertain the presence of a drug in a sample of the person’s oral fluid and can record the concentration whether by a particular figure, level or percentage; and
	(b)	is suitable for use in analysis under part 2.
	(3)	An approval under this section is a notifiable instrument.
Note	A notifiable instrument must be notified under the Legislation Act.
6	Approval of operators and analysts
New section 6 (2) 
insert
	(2)	The chief police officer may authorise a police officer to carry out oral fluid analyses if the officer has—
	(a)	undergone a course approved by the Minister as a course for the instruction of police officers in the carrying out of oral fluid analyses; and
	(b)	completed the course to the satisfaction of the chief police officer.
7	Section 6 (2) and (3)
renumber as section 6 (3) and (4)
8	Sections 11 and 12
substitute
11	Detention for breath or oral fluid analysis
	(1)	This section applies if—
	(a)	a person undergoes a screening test under a requirement made by a police officer under section 8, section 9 or section 10 and an approved alcohol screening device indicates to the police officer—
	(i)	that the concentration of alcohol in the person’s blood is at least the prescribed concentration; or
	(ii)	for a person the police officer has reasonable grounds to believe is a special driver—that the concentration of alcohol in the person’s blood  is at least 0.02g of alcohol per 100mL of blood; or
	(b)	a person undergoes a screening test under a requirement made by a police officer under section 8, section 9 or section 10 and an approved drug screening device indicates to the police officer that—
	(i)	a drug for which there is a prescribed concentration is present in the person’s oral fluid and the concentration of the drug is at least the prescribed concentration; or
	(ii)	a drug for which there is no prescribed concentration is present in the person’s oral fluid; or
	(c)	a person who has been required by a police officer under section 8, section 9 or section 10 to undergo a screening test refuses to undergo the screening test; or
	(d)	a person who has been required by a police officer under section 8, section 9 or section 10 to undergo a screening test fails to undergo the screening test in accordance with the direction of the police officer.
	(2)	The police officer may take the person into custody.
	(3)	If the person is taken into custody, a police officer must take the person, as soon as practicable, to a police station or another convenient place to carry out a breath analysis, an oral fluid analysis or both for the person. 
	(4)	In this section:
prescribed concentration, of a drug means—
	(a)	for a prescribed illicit drug—any concentration of the drug present in the blood or oral fluid of a person; and
	(b)	for any other drug—the concentration prescribed by regulation. 
prescribed illicit drug means—
	(a)	methylamphetamine; or
	(b)	delta-9-tetrahydrocannabinol; or
	(c)	any other drug prescribed by regulation.
12	Breath or oral fluid analysis
	(1)	A person who has been taken into custody under section 11 must give, in accordance with the reasonable directions of a police officer, either or both of the following (as directed by the police officer):
	(a)	a sample of the person’s breath; 
	(b)	a sample of the person’s oral fluid.
	(2)	An analysis of breath must be carried out by an approved operator using an approved breath analysis instrument.
	(3)	An analysis of oral fluid must be carried out by an approved operator using an approved oral fluid analysis instrument.
	(4)	A regulation may make provision about—
	(a)	the procedures to be followed by an approved operator immediately before, during, and immediately after, carrying out a breath analysis or oral fluid analysis; and
	(b)	the conditions that must exist for the use of a particular approved analysis instrument; and
	(c)	the conditions during which a particular approved analysis instrument must not be used; and
	(d)	the results that must be obtained from procedures to be followed immediately after carrying out a breath or oral fluid analysis and without which the analysis must be disregarded for this Act.
	(5)	If, because of a regulation made for subsection (4) (d), an analysis must be disregarded in relation to a person, a police officer may require the person to give, in accordance with the reasonable directions of the officer, another sample of the person’s breath or oral fluid for analysis using another approved analysis instrument.
	(6)	As soon as practicable after the analysis has been carried out, the approved operator who carried out the analysis must give the person a statement, signed by the operator, containing the particulars required by regulation.
9	New section 12A
insert
12A	Drug assessment
	(1)	This section applies to a person if any 1 or more of the following paragraphs applies to the person:
	(a)	the person is the driver of a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place; 
	(b)	a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the person was the driver of a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place;
	(c)	a motor vehicle is involved in an accident on a public street and—
	(i)	a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the person was the driver of the motor vehicle at the time of the accident; or
	(ii)	a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the person was in the vehicle at the time of the accident, but the police officer does not know or has doubt about who was the driver of the vehicle at the time of the accident;
	(d)	a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the person has committed an offence of culpable driving; 
	(e)	the person has been required to undergo a screening test under section 8, section 9 or section 10; 
	(f)	the person has been required to give a breath or oral fluid sample under section 12.
	(2)	If a police officer has reasonable cause to suspect that the person’s behaviour or appearance indicates that the person may be impaired for a reason other than alcohol alone, the police officer may require the person to undergo an assessment of drug impairment.
	(3)	For the purpose of requiring someone to undergo an assessment of drug impairment, a police officer may take the person into custody.
	(4)	If the person is taken into custody, a police officer must take the person, as soon as practicable, to a police station or another convenient place to carry out the assessment. 
	(5)	The person must undergo an assessment of drug impairment in accordance with the reasonable directions of a police officer.
	(6)	An assessment of drug impairment must be carried out—
	(a)	by a police officer authorised by the chief police officer to carry out assessments of drug impairment; and
	(b)	in accordance with the procedure prescribed by regulation; and
	(c)	unless a particular time is prescribed by regulation, within the reasonable time needed to carry out the assessment.
	(7)	The carrying out of an assessment of drug impairment must be videorecorded unless the prosecution satisfies the court that it was not practicable in the circumstances to make a video recording.
	(8)	If a person who undergoes an assessment of drug impairment is subsequently charged with an offence against section 19A, a copy of the video recording (if any) must be served with the summons or, if a summons is not issued, not later than 7 days after the day the person is charged with the offence.
10	Precautions for privacy
Section 13
omit
breath analysis
substitute
breath or oral fluid analysis
11	Section 14 heading
substitute
14	Restrictions on screening tests and breath and oral fluid analyses
12	Section 14 (1)
omit everything before paragraph (a), substitute
	(1)	A police officer must not require a person to undergo a screening test under section 8, section 9 or section 10, to provide a sample of the person’s breath or oral fluid for analysis under section 12, or to undergo an assessment of drug impairment, and a police officer must not begin or continue the analysis under section 12 or the assessment under section 12A—
13	Section 14 (3)
omit everything before paragraph (a), substitute
	(3)	A police officer must not require a person to undergo a screening test under section 8, section 9 or section 10, to provide a sample of the person’s breath or oral fluid for analysis under section 12, or to undergo an assessment of drug impairment—
14	Section 14 (3) (a)
substitute
	(a)	if it appears to the police officer that it may, because of injury suffered by the person or otherwise, be dangerous or not practicable for the person to undergo the screening test, to provide the sample or to undergo the assessment; or 
15	Taking blood samples from persons in custody
Section 15 (1) (a) and (b)
substitute
	(a)	a police officer does not, because of section 14 (3) (a) or (b) require a person to undergo a screening test, to provide a sample of breath or oral fluid for analysis or to undergo an assessment of drug impairment; or
	(b)	because the analysis instrument available is not in working order or an approved analysis instrument is not available, it is not practicable to carry out the breath or oral fluid analysis; or
	(c)	because it is not practicable to carry out the assessment of drug impairment.
16	Section 15 (2) (a)
substitute
	(a)	analyse the blood in 1 of the containers to ascertain—
	(i)	the concentration of alcohol in the blood; and
	(ii)	if asked by a police officer to do so—the concentration of drugs in the blood; and
17	Section 15 (3) and (4)
omit
18	Analysis of blood samples
Section 15A (1)
substitute
	(1)	If only 1 sealed container of a particular person’s blood that has been taken under section 15 or section 15AA has been put in a one‑way box for collection by an approved analyst, the analyst must analyse the blood to ascertain—
	(a)	the concentration of alcohol in the blood; and
	(b)	if asked by a police officer to do so—the concentration of drugs in the blood.
19	Medical examinations
Section 16 (1) (a) (i)
substitute
	(i)	has been required to undergo a screening test, to provide a sample of his or her breath or oral fluid for analysis or to undergo an assessment of drug impairment; and
20	Protection of police officers and medical staff
Section 18 (3) (a)
substitute
	(a)	if the sample of the person’s breath or oral fluid has been analysed—the time when the approved operator gives the person the written statement mentioned in section 12 (6); or
21	Section 18 (3) (c)
substitute
	(c)	if the person is required to undergo an assessment of drug impairment—the period mentioned in section 12A (6) (c) ends; and
	(d)	the end of whichever of the periods mentioned in section 14 (1) applies in relation to the person. 
22	New section 19A
insert
19A	Driving while impaired by drug or blood drug concentration exceeded
	(1)	A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	drives a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place; and
	(b)	is impaired by a drug.
Maximum penalty: 
	(a)	for an offence by a first offender—10 penalty units; and
	(b)	for an offence by a repeat offender—25 penalty units, imprisonment for 3 months or both.
	(2)	A person commits an offence if the person—
	(a)	has been the driver of a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place; and
	(b)	has, within the relevant period, a concentration of drugs in the person’s blood equal to or more than the prescribed concentration.
Maximum penalty:
	(a)	for an offence by a first offender—5 penalty units; and
	(b)	for an offence by a repeat offender—25 penalty units, imprisonment for 3 months or both.
	(3)	In this section:
relevant period means the period beginning when the person stopped being the driver of the vehicle and ending at the latest time when—
	(a)	a breath or oral fluid analysis of the person may be carried out under this Act; or
	(b)	if section 15 (Taking blood samples from persons in custody) or section 15AA (Taking blood samples from persons in hospital) applies—a sample of the person’s blood may be taken under that section. 
23	New section 22A
insert
22A	Refusing to provide oral fluid sample
	(1)	This section applies to a person who—
	(a)	has been the driver of a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place; and
	(b)	has, in accordance with this Act, been required to provide a sample of oral fluid for analysis.
	(2)	The person commits an offence if—
	(a)	the person refuses to provide a sample of oral fluid for analysis; or
	(b)	the person fails to provide a sample of oral fluid in accordance with reasonable directions of a police officer.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
22B	Refusing to undergo drug assessment
	(1)	This section applies to a person who—
	(a)	has been the driver of a motor vehicle on a public street or in a public place; and
	(b)	has, in accordance with this Act, been required to undergo a drug assessment.
	(2)	The person commits an offence if—
	(a)	the person refuses to undergo a drug assessment; or
	(b)	the person fails to undergo a drug assessment in accordance with reasonable directions of a police officer.
Maximum penalty:  30 penalty units.
24	Section 27 heading
substitute
27	Imprisonment—s 22, s 22A, s 22B, s 23 and s 24 offences
25	Section 27 (a)
substitute
	(a)	a person is convicted of an offence against any of the following provisions:
·	section 22 (Refusing to provide breath sample);
·	section 22A (Refusing to provide oral fluid sample);
·	section 22B (Refusing to undergo drug assessment);
·	section 23 (Refusing blood test etc);
·	section 24 (Driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug); and
26	Certificate of evidence
New section 41 (1) (ab)
insert
	(ab)	a certificate purporting to be signed by a police officer and stating—
	(i)	that the police officer was on a date stated in the certificate an approved operator; and
	(ii)	that, at a place and at a time and on a date stated in the certificate, a person named in the certificate was required by a stated police officer to provide a sample of the person’s oral fluid for analysis by an approved oral fluid analysis instrument; and
	(iii)	the instrument used in the analysis, by reference to its model number, patent number and serial number; and
	(iv)	that the approved oral fluid analysis instrument was in proper working order; and
	(v)	the procedures followed and precautions taken immediately before the breath analysis, during the breath analysis and immediately after the completion of the breath analysis; and
	(vi)	that the person named in the certificate provided a sample of the person’s oral fluid for analysis in accordance with the directions of the police officer who made the requirement; and
	(vii)	the steps that were taken to ensure that it was not readily apparent to members of the public that the oral fluid analysis was being carried out; and
	(viii)	that, in following the procedures for which a regulation makes provision that stated results are to be obtained, the results stated in the certificate were obtained; and
	(ix)	that the result recorded or shown by the instruments as the result of the analysis was a particular figure, level or percentage or was not less than and not more than a particular figure, level or percentage; and
	(x)	that, as soon as practicable after the oral fluid analysis was carried out, the police officer signed and gave to the person mentioned in subparagraph (ii) the statement required by section 12 (6);
is evidence of the matters stated in the certificate; and
27	New section 41 (1) (ba)
insert
	(ba)	a certificate purporting to be signed by a police officer and stating—
	(i)	that the police officer was on a date stated in the certificate an approved operator; and
	(ii)	that, at a place and at a time and on a date stated in the certificate, a person named in the certificate was required by a stated police officer to provide a sample of the person’s oral fluid for analysis by an approved oral fluid analysis instrument; and
	(iii)	the instrument available to be used in the analysis, by reference to its model number, patent number and serial number; and
	(iv)	that the approved oral fluid analysis instrument was in proper working order; and
	(v)	the procedures followed immediately before the person was required to provide a sample of the person’s oral fluid for analysis and the results obtained in following those procedures; and
	(vi)	that the person refused or failed to provide a sample of his or her breath for analysis; 
is evidence of the matters stated in the certificate; and
28	Section 41 (1) (c)
substitute
	(c)	a written statement mentioned in section 12 (6) that is a print‑out from an approved breath analysis instrument or approved oral fluid analysis instrument is evidence of the matters stated in the statement; and
	(ca)	a certificate purporting to be signed by a police officer and stating—
	(i)	that the police officer was on a date stated in the certificate authorised by the chief police officer to carry out assessments of drug impairment; and
	(ii)	that, at a place and time and on a date stated in the certificate, a person named in the certificate was required by a stated police officer to undergo an assessment of drug impairment; and
	(iii)	the procedures followed in carrying out the assessment of drug impairment;
is evidence of the matters stated in the certificate; and
	(cb)	a certificate purporting to be signed by a police officer and stating—
	(i)	that the police officer was on a date stated in the certificate authorised by the chief police officer to carry out assessments of drug impairment; and
	(ii)	that, at a place and time and on a date stated in the certificate, a person named in the certificate was required by a stated police officer to undergo a drug assessment; and
	(iii)	that the person refused or failed to undergo a drug assessment;
is evidence of the matters stated in the certificate; and
29	New section 41 (1) (e) (iii)
omit
or to provide a sample of the person’s breath for breath analysis under section 12 (Breath analysis);
substitute
, to provide a sample of the person’s breath or oral fluid for analysis under section 12 (Breath or oral fluid analysis) or to undergo an assessment of drug impairment under section 12A (Drug assessment);
30	New section 42AA
after section 42, insert
42AA	Effect of noncompliance—analysis of oral fluid 
	(1)	This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence against this Act arising out of the carrying out of an oral fluid analysis is not satisfied that there has been compliance with every provision of this Act relating to the carrying out of the analysis.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	Unless the court is satisfied that the failure to comply with the provisions of this Act mentioned in subsection (1) would not have affected the result obtained in the analysis, the court must dismiss the charge.
31	New section 42C
insert
42C	Effect of noncompliance—refusal to give sample of oral fluid
	(1)	This section applies if the court hearing a charge for an offence against section 22A is not satisfied that there has been compliance with every provision of this Act relating to that part of the carrying out of an oral fluid analysis that is required to be carried out before the sample of oral fluid is supplied.
Note	A reference to an Act includes a reference to the statutory instruments made or in force under the Act, including regulations (see Legislation Act, s 104).
	(2)	Unless the court is satisfied that the failure to comply with the provisions of this Act mentioned in subsection (1) was such that, had the failure not happened and the oral fluid analysis taken place, the result obtained in the analysis would have indicated the presence of a drug, the court must dismiss the charge.
32	Dictionary, new definition of approved alcohol screening device
insert
approved alcohol screening device means a device that is approved by the Minister under section 5 (1). 
33	Dictionary, new definition of approved analysis instrument
insert
approved analysis instrument means an approved breath analysis instrument or an approved oral fluid analysis instrument.
34	Dictionary, definition of approved analyst
substitute
approved analyst means a person who is appointed by the Minister under section 6 (3).
35	Dictionary, definition of approved breath analysis instrument
substitute
approved breath analysis instrument means an instrument that is approved by the Minister under section 5A (1). 
36	Dictionary, new definition of approved drug screening device
insert
approved drug screening device means a device that is approved by the Minister under section 5 (2). 
37	Dictionary, definition of approved operator
substitute
approved operator means—
	(a)	for a breath analysis—a police officer who is authorised under section 6 (1); and
	(b)	for an oral fluid analysis—a police officer who is authorised under section 6 (2).
38	Dictionary, new definition of approved oral fluid analysis instrument
insert
approved oral fluid analysis instrument means a device that is approved by the Minister under section 5A (2).
39	Dictionary, definition of approved screening device
omit
40	Dictionary, new definition of assessment of drug impairment
insert
assessment of drug impairment, of a person, means an assessment of drug impairment carried out on the person under section 12A.
41	Dictionary, definition of disqualifying offence
substitute
disqualifying offence means an offence against—
	(a)	section 19 (Prescribed blood alcohol concentration exceeded); or
	(b)	section 19A (Driving while impaired by drug or blood drug concentration exceeded); or
	(c)	section 22 (Refusing to provide breath sample); or
	(d)	section 22A (Refusing to provide oral fluid sample); or
	(e)	section 22B (Refusing to undergo drug assessment); or
	(f)	section 23 (Refusing blood test etc); or
	(g)	section 24 (Driving under the influence of intoxicating liquor or a drug); or
	(h)	another provision of this Act prescribed by regulation.
42	Dictionary, new definition of oral fluid analysis
insert
oral fluid analysis, in relation to a person, means an analysis of a sample of the person’s oral fluid carried out for this Act using an approved oral fluid analysis instrument. 
43	Dictionary, definition of screening test
substitute
screening test, for a person, means either or both of the following (as directed by a police officer):
	(a)	a test of a sample of the person’s breath using an approved alcohol screening device; 
	(b)	a test of a sample of the person’s oral fluid using an approved drug screening device.

Endnotes
1	Presentation speech
	Presentation speech made in the Legislative Assembly on	2005.
2	Notification
	Notified under the Legislation Act on	2005.
3	Republications of amended laws
	For the latest republication of amended laws, see www.legislation.act.gov.au.

© Australian Capital Territory 2005