PRISONS, DRUG TESTING

In reply to Mr WILLIAMS (MacKillop) (15 July 2009).

The Hon. A. KOUTSANTONIS (West Torrens—Minister for Correctional Services, Minister for Gambling, Minister for Youth, Minister for Volunteers, Minister Assisting the Minister for Multicultural Affairs): The number of drug tests conducted in prisons has increased over recent years, in keeping with the State Government's commitment to reducing the impact of drugs in the prison system. I am advised that:

2392 tests were undertaken in South Australian prisons in 2006, with 564 of those tests returning positive results

2715 tests were undertaken in South Australian prisons in 2007, with 578 of those tests returning positive results

3585 drug tests were undertaken in South Australian prisons in 2008, with 906 of those tests returning positive results.