Alcohol and other drug (ADO) misuse is an increasing problem across the Australian community. All Australia Post workplaces are alcohol and illicit drug free. In accordance with our AOD policy, employees and contractors may be asked to complete a random drug test while on site.

As an Australia Post Group (APG) employee, or contractor who performs work for Australia Post, you are responsible for making sure you don’t expose yourself or others to health and safety risks at work as a result of being affected by AOD, especially when you're operating machinery, vehicles or equipment.

Everyone is responsible

We have a legal obligation to protect your health and safety at work. As your employer, Australia Post is responsible for:

  • minimising the risks associated with the use of AOD in all our workplaces
  • ensuring all our employees and contractors comply with any legal obligations related to AOD use.

Our AOD policy

All employees and contractors who drive a vehicle or motorcycle for work must have a Breath Alcohol Content (BrAC) under the legal driving limit for the type of vehicle they use and type of license they hold while on duty. This will range from 0.00% to 0.05%.

Everyone else must not have a BrAC greater than 0.05% while on duty. All employees and contractors must not return a positive drug test with levels over the Minimal Detectable Amount specified in the relevant Australian Standard. You can take prescription and non-prescription drugs while on duty provided this does not impact on your ability to safely do your job.

Note: The Health and Wellbeing Team does not manage the AOD policy directly. Please direct any inquiries to the People Services team via the People Services Portal or 1300 116 947.
 

AOD resources

Support for you

We are committed to providing you with the appropriate support to address any issues you have with AOD. The Employee Assistance Program (EAP) and the Workforce Assistance Program (WAP) are free, confidential services available to all employees, contractors, and their immediate family members.

Contact People Services, via the People Services Portal or ph: 1300 116 947

You can also contact the EAP/WAP any time by calling 1300 687 327. Find out more about how the EAP/WAP can support you with AOD

You may also want to talk to your GP or phone one of the services below:

Frequently asked questions

AOD resources for managers

We are committed to creating mentally healthy workplaces. As a manager, you play a critical role in supporting the psychological wellbeing of your team. It is important to create a psychologically safe working environment where employees feel comfortable seeking your support in helping them address AOD issues.

As a manager, you are instrumental in ensuring that our AOD policy is implemented with respect and confidentiality. We encourage you to familiarise yourself with the policy and read the Alcohol and Other Drugs Information Guide for Managers which provides comprehensive information regarding the AOD Policy, how the testing process for both random and ‘for cause’ testing works and suggestions for how to have a conversation with your team members about this sensitive topic. A copy of the reasonable suspicion check list and a script to assist you when testing is taking place on site, is included in the appendix.

If you believe a team member has an AOD issue that is negatively impacting their work, health and safety, you must contact the People Services team via the People Services Portal or 1300 116 947.

You also have the option to contact the EAP Manager Assist Service any time by calling ph.: 1300 687 327.

You may also want to seek support externally by calling one of the following services:

Resources for managers

As a manager or supervisor, you are the key to ensuring that the procedures related to our new AOD Policy are implemented with respect, confidentiality and understanding in your workplace.

There is an Information guide for Managers, as well as other resources, available here: