A loophole that means most elected councillors and MPs in Queensland can avoid drug and alcohol testing may soon be tightened in one local council area.
In most councils and State Parliament, the policies only apply to staff and not those who are voted into office.
But one North Queensland council will soon consider a change that would see its councillors subjected to random testing and testing on suspicion.
"Staff are required to submit to drug and alcohol tests, so why shouldn't we be?" said Fran Mann from the Mackay Regional Council.
She and fellow Mackay councillor Martin Bella have developed the policy in consultation with the council's staff.
"It's shocking to say, but circumstances have shown me it's required and I make no bones about that," Mr Bella said.
"We should be at the top of our game when we're considering things that affect people's lives."
Mr Bella would not elaborate on specific situations or examples of when the policy would have been beneficial.
Code of conduct not sufficient
Only a small number of Queensland councils have implemented drug and alcohol policies that relate to staff as well as elected officials.
They include Ipswich, Balonne and Rockhampton.
Ms Mann said the lack of a policy in other areas might be due to confusion.
She said there was a need for a policy as well as a code of conduct.
"The code of conduct says we must ensure our behaviour, or capacity to perform responsibilities as a councillor, isn't impaired by the use of substances that may put them or others at risk," Ms Mann said.
"Our policy has been specific on what your alcohol level should be when you're performing your duty and that we'd like to introduce three random drug and alcohol tests a year for councillors."
Mr Bella said elected officials should not be exempt from testing.
"Let's be blunt ... our staff have to put up with it, most of the population in their roles are expected to do that, so why should we not?" he said.
At a state level, the Code of Conduct for the Parliamentary Service states staff must not consume alcohol when performing duties.
It clearly states the policy does not apply to members of the Legislative Assembly, who are instead covered by a Code of Ethical Standards.
That code makes no mention of drugs or alcohol.
Not the party police
Ms Mann said the policy would not ban councillors from drinking alcohol at a function.
"What we're proposing is that you would be under 0.05 [blood alcohol concentration]," she said.
"You can go and enjoy a glass of wine — or a couple … the entirety of the event."
Ms Mann said the policy would not mean councillors were tested at every event they attended, rather that it would allow for someone to be tested if others believed there was a reason for it.
"Largely, what we're proposing is if you feel that someone is affected by drugs or alcohol, then you let the CEO know and they arrange testing from there," she said.
Both councillors Mann and Bella said there had been widespread support for the policy from the community and their colleagues.
The policy will be voted on at this week's council meeting.
The Local Government Association of Queensland and the Local Government Minister said it was a council issue and declined to comment.
