June 2, 2514

Dear Sir,

What a wonderful opportunity for all parties in both Houses to practice what they preach on transparency, with the mandatory and random drug testing of Members of Parliament and Senators. This concept of confidentiality and a “three times and you are reported” to the Speaker of the House or the President of the Senate is a lot of nonsense. These people are elected by us, the voters, and should be responsible to the voters.

Therefore, if any Member tests positive, let us, the voters, know about it. I can accept anyone being tested in the workplace is given the opportunity to clean up their act, but, if my MP is using drugs I want to know about it now, because what they are doing is against the law. These are the people who are making the laws for us to abide by and to have a reasonably regulated society, so I expect more from them. I don’t ask that this should be considered by the legislators, but demand that they be named if they fail one test — now that is what I call transparency!

ANTONY SIESE