Greens condemn PSO drug searches

2017-05-23

The Greens have condemned the Victorian government’s decision to give Protective Services Officers new powers to search public transport passengers they suspect of possessing drugs.

Greens MP Colleen Hartland says the plan won’t make the community any safer and will encourage people under the influence of recreational drugs to drive.

“This will just encourage people to drive on drugs, and that’s the last thing we want,” Colleen Hartland said.

"We’ve been treating personal drug use as a criminal problem for decades, and it’s gotten us nowhere.

“It’s time for the government to listen to the experts, and start treating personal drug use a health issue.

“PSOs are supposed to protect the community from violent crime at stations, but this will make people less safe.