ADF stress drug use key

THE demanding culture and high expectations of the Australian Defence Force has been blamed for personnel turning to illegal drugs.

Veterans 360 Australia chief executive Jay Devereux was speaking after the Bulletin revealed a group of Townsville soldiers may be kicked out of the ADF for drug use.

Mr Devereux said his organisation had helped a number of ex- personnel who began using illegal substances during their service.

“We have heard stories of amphetamine use in the field where long hours of physical work is required,” he said.

“There have also been accounts of a ‘ party hard mentality’ where younger troops might be likely to experiment at the encouragement of their peers. Overall, these are the most common situations we hear about.

“What we often see is longer- term use of these drugs to mask or compensate for the reasons they are feeling depressed, anxious or otherwise suffering from mental injuries/ illness.”

Townsville MP Scott Stewart said the culture of the ADF needed to be evaluated.

“What are the causes of this, is there a culture of this accepted within the Defence Force, so what do we need to do to address these concerns, work with Defence and make sure this sort of behaviour doesn’t become accepted and become part of the norm,” he said.

“We need to look at the deeper issues here … why do people within their community think it’s acceptable to be under the influence of drugs and alcohol ( at) work.”

Herbert MP Cathy O’Toole said she was sure the ADF would handle charges correctly.

“All the evidence that I have seen shows the ADF take these issues very, very seriously. I am sure the appropriate action will be taken following the investigation,” she said.

“I’m also very aware of the ADF’s zero tolerance of the missuses of illicit drugs … and of how positively they worked with the police on this issues.”

The Department of Veteran’s Affairs was contacted for comment.