The primary aims of this Procedure are to minimise harm arising from alcohol and other drugs and to ensure the University complies with relevant legal requirements. This procedure mandates actions and assigns responsibilities for the proper management of alcohol and drugs in University activities and on University premises to support the implementation of the Health and Safety Management Procedure and Security Procedure.
This procedure applies to:
- any person present on University premises;
- any person taking part in a University activity including off-campus University activities (e.g. student excursions, field work, sporting events, student practical placements, work travel, conferences, events, etc.);
- all members of the University community whilst representing Federation University off-campus, such as in some social functions or professional gatherings; and
- any person planning, managing, supervising or attending activities conducted by University Clubs and Societies.
It does not apply to University student accommodation facilities managed by Fedliving, which are governed by their own rules regarding alcohol and drugs.
- Drugs Misuse Act 1986 (Qld)
- Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic)
- Federation University Australia Act 2010 (Vic)
- Liquor Act 1992 (Qld)
- Liquor Control Reform Act 1998 (Vic)
- Medicines and Poisons (Medicines) Regulation 2021 (Qld)
- Occupational Health and Safety Act 2004 (Vic)
- Work Health and Safety Act 2011 (Qld)
Complete lists of definitions relevant to this procedure are contained within the Health and Safety Management Procedure and Security Procedure.
A further list of definitions specifically relevant to this procedure is included below:
Term | Definition |
Alcohol | Any drink that contains ethanol, such as beer, wine, whisky, etc. |
Drug | Includes any illicit drug (as defined), any prescription-only medicine, and any over-the-counter medicine. |
Drug paraphernalia | Any substance, material, document or equipment associated with the use (as defined) of an illicit drug, such as cannabis water pipes, bongs and hookahs, ice pipes, precursor chemical and apparatus, cocaine kits, etc. |
EAP | The services available under the University’s Employee Assistance Program. |
Illicit drug | Any quantity of a substance or plant classified as a drug of dependence under the Drugs, Poisons and Controlled Substances Act 1981 (Vic) and used (as defined) without a valid prescription. This term also includes a deleterious or volatile substance held without valid explanation. |
Impaired behaviour | (In the context of this Procedure only) Any alteration of the usual behaviour of a person on University premises or in University activities that creates concerns regarding safety, health, security, work/study performance, disruption, etc. Typical impairments relevant to this procedure include drowsiness, slurred speech, difficulty concentrating, poor motor control, aggressive speech or behaviour, irregular work patterns, absenteeism, etc. |
Use/used | In relation to drugs and drug paraphernalia, refers to any aspect of the cultivation, manufacture, possession, storage, supply, sale, purchase or actual use of an illicit drug. |
ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Establishing the University-wide policies, procedures and processes necessary to minimise risks associated with alcohol or drugs | Manager – Health, Safety and Wellbeing |
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B. | Implementing this Procedure | All members of the University community |
Note 1: Non-compliance with this procedure may result in disciplinary action being taken in accordance with student legislation, staff processes, etc. |
C. | Serving alcohol at events | Event organiser and manager |
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ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Consuming alcohol on University premises or in University activities | Members of the University community |
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B. | Consuming alcohol at events | Event attendees |
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ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Strictly prohibiting any activity involving illicit drugs on University premises or in University activities | Any person present on University premises or engaged in University activities |
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ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Using over-the-counter medicines on University premises or in University activities | Any user of over-the-counter medicines |
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B. | Using prescribed medicines on University premises or in University activities | Any user of prescribed medicines |
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ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Identifying and managing impaired behaviour | Deans/Managers/Supervisors/Lecturers/Teachers |
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ACTIVITY | RESPONSIBILITY | STEPS | |
A. | Identifying, responding to, recording, investigating and rectifying incidents and emergencies related to impaired behaviours | All members of the University community |
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B. | Identifying and reporting suspected illicit drug use | All members of the University community | |
C. | Investigating and managing suspected illicit drug use | Manager - Health, Safety and Wellbeing |
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Equal Opportunity and Valuing Diversity Guidelines
Workplace Adjustments for Staff with Disability Procedure
Study Adjustment and Course Flexibility Guidelines
The Head – Health, Safety and Wellbeing is responsible for the maintenance of this procedure.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Procedure will be communicated throughout the University community in the form of:
- an Announcement Notice via FedNews website and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the ‘Policies, Procedures and Forms @ the University’ website to alert the University-wide community of the approved Procedure; and
- distribution of e-mails to Deans, Deans and Directors.
The Alcohol and Other Drugs Procedure will be implemented throughout the University via:
- an Announcement Notice via FedNews website and on the ‘Recently Approved Documents’ page on the ‘Policies, Procedures and Forms @ the University’ website to alert the University-wide community of the approved Procedure; and
- Staff and student induction/training sessions.