AFL DRUGS POLICY

The Hon. P.L. WHITE (Taylor) (14:26): Will the Premier advise the house of the state government's view in relation to the AFL drugs policy?

The Hon. M.D. RANN (Ramsay—Premier, Minister for Economic Development, Minister for Social Inclusion, Minister for the Arts, Minister for Sustainability and Climate Change) (14:26): I would think any parent in this house would be concerned about what is happening in the AFL at present in terms of a series of events in relation to the taking of drugs. The fact is that our children see these people as their heroes and, therefore, it is vitally important the AFL toughens up on its policy in relation to drugs and drug testing. Some of the criticisms of the AFL have not been accurate. Some people said publicly earlier in the year that the 'three strikes and you're out' policy means that nothing happens on the first two detections. That is not the case. There is a procedure for a zero tolerance. The first time drugs are detected immediate action is taken in terms of rehabilitation. There is a sliding scale of events that leads to a third strike, which is where the player is suspended and, therefore, named and shamed.

However, my view is that there needs to be a tighter regime. There should be a two-strikes policy, accompanied by a much more intensive frequency of testing. I think it would be a very smart move in terms of rebuilding confidence if the AFL was to announce, at the very least, a doubling of the intensity and frequency of drug testing of players, both in and out of season, plus also going from the three-strikes policy to a two-strikes policy. On the first occasion, if someone makes a mistake, they should be counselled and go through rehabilitation; the club is informed and so is the AFL. But on the second occasion that is it. Basically, they are suspended and thereby named.

Certainly we will be communicating to the AFL that we believe there needs to be a much greater tightening of the regime from a three-strikes policy to a second offence resulting in an immediate suspension, whether in or out of season. Also, very importantly, there needs to be a much greater frequency of drug testing of players in and out of season.