I didn't really need an excuse: beautiful women, great surf, nice scenery and good food are all up there for me. But any country that has to enact a law like this is one that deserves me as a constituent. I highlighted a couple key lines.
Booze ban for Wollongong council workers
BY BRETT COX
The lunchtime schooner or glass of wine has been banned for Wollongong City Council employees after the council introduced a new workplace safety policy.
More than 1500 staff now face disciplinary action or the sack if found to have a blood alcohol level at work of more than 0.02 - which State Government guidelines say can be reached with just one standard drink.
As of last week, any person employed by the council can be asked to take a drug or alcohol test if suspected of being intoxicated.
Unions are supportive of the move, with United Services Union Wollongong spokesman Scott Peterson saying the policy creates a safer workplace and provides health benefits for employees.
"It's right across the board and I think that's right - any council employee, indoor or outdoor, may be required to operate a vehicle or have to interact with the public," he said.
The council's director of corporate and community services, Illana Halliday, said the "fit for work" policy had been in development over 12 months.
Sections of the council - mainly those who operate machinery - have already been "dry" for some time.
"All staff and managers have undergone training in the policy and are aware what is now required of them when they come to work," Ms Halliday said. "That means no alcohol during work hours. If a staff member stops work for lunch, meal breaks or work functions, they must be below the alcohol limit of 0.02 to return to the workplace."
In addition, no employee is allowed to ingest, inhale or inject any drug at work, except where the drug is legally prescribed by a medical professional.
"Council management and staff all agree the policy is a positive step forward, not only for safety and liability reasons, but to continue to improve our image in the community as a responsible and professional employer," Ms Halliday said.
"If a test comes back positive there are a number of steps that will be taken. This includes disciplinary action and possible termination.
"Council will also offer its employees rehabilitation support in the instance of alcohol or drug dependency."
NSW council for civil liberties president Cameron Murphy said the policy could be problematic because breathalysers can be inaccurate and employees might inadvertently be over the limit after drinking the night before.
"Employers try to bring in these policies ... it's an invasion of privacy," he said.
