Drug tests 'good for the gander' - Weatherall

A Dunedin city councillor says his colleagues should also volunteer to be drug-tested, but Mayor Dave Cull warns sobriety is no guarantee of good decision-making.

Cr Colin Weatherall said he would not support compelling councillors to be tested for illicit substances, but believed they should be allowed to volunteer.

"If it's good for the goose then it's good for the gander. Across the organisation it should be available for anyone who wants to participate."

• DCC drug search plan worries union

Cr Weatherall was responding to the council's draft alcohol-and-other-drugs policy, sent to the organisation's staff for consultation, which outlined policies for random and targeted drug testing of council staff, covert surveillance and searches.

The proposal has drawn criticism from the union representing hundreds of council workers.

Amalgamated Workers' Union New Zealand (Southern) assistant secretary Peter Costello, of Dunedin, said he planned to discuss the issue with council union delegates next week.

Cr Weatherall said most councillors could "have their day" on alcohol, but he would queue for a drugs test and sail through with flying colours.

"I've certainly never been into that other stuff and I wouldn't know if I fell over it, basically."

He supported the policy, which aimed to improve health and safety in the workplace.

However, Mr Cull supported testing only where there was a reason for it - be it erratic behaviour or safety concerns.

"If there's no reason to worry about people's work quality or their behaviour, I think it's intrusive."

That meant councillors should not be compelled to take part in drugs tests, he believed.

"You'd have to have a very good reason. Just because someone's completely sober ... doesn't mean they're going to make the right decisions."

Asked if he would pass a drugs test, Mr Cull said: "Of course I would."

And his council colleagues?

"I have no idea about their personal lives."

chris.morris@odt.co.nz