100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

100% Locally Owned, Independent and Free

Jane Stephens: professionals should be alcohol-free on or around the job

Do you have a news tip? Click here to send to our news team.

CEO takes mansion battle to court after council knockback

A former airline CEO is appealing to the Planning and Environment Court after a local council refused plans to build a hillside mansion. Former Virgin More

Reservoir’s $3.9m facelift and structural upgrade

An iconic landmark visible from a major coastal road is undergoing maintenance and a facade refresh. The water reservoir along David Low Way at Peregian More

B2B: Homeowners should consider ATO debt consolidation

Many Australians face the challenge of managing Australian Tax Office (ATO) debt alongside mortgages, personal loans and everyday expenses. This financial pressure can make cash More

Photo of the day: mountain view

“After being away for a few weeks, it was lovely to be reminded of how beautiful our Glass House Mountains are. Viewed from McCarthy’s More

Bowls club redevelopment refusal sparks appeal

An appeal has been launched in the Planning and Environment Court after a council rejected a proposal to develop a former bowls club site. Sunshine More

Former Sizzler site snapped up for $12m

A Sunshine Coast-based property developer has acquired a high-profile former restaurant site for $12 million, unlocking the potential for a 37.5-metre-high mixed-use project. The 4178sqm More

Ban the booze for our decision makers, those who the public depends on and the ones who are paid to be physically excellent for our entertainment.

Have a requirement of having no alcohol in their systems when they are on the job or representing their workplaces.

Demand clear heads and responsible conduct.

This is not too much to expect and it is long overdue – delayed only by a lack of courage and the fear of appearing controlling and heavy handed.

But drinking on or around the job can be destructive, potentially embarrassing and fraught with danger.

Do you have an opinion to share? Submit a Letter to the Editor at Sunshine Coast News via news@sunshinecoastnews.com.au. You must include your name and suburb.

Just ask the Broncos captain and vice-captain, or Nationals Senator Barnaby Joyce.

It is too often just a matter of time before something goes south – whether in the form of an inappropriate comment, a humiliating interaction in public or a car crash.

Politician Barnaby Joyce, pictured in Parliament House, took leave after a late-night incident in Canberra. Picture: AAP

The time to be precious about a person’s ‘right’ to drink has passed, spoken about as if alcohol is a need when there is not a skerrick of evidence to show it aids performance or sharpens the mind.

What it is is an accepted, legalised drug; a social elixir and mixer; a habitual relaxant.

But I do not know a single adult over 40 who has not at some point examined their relationship with it or taken the tough step of committing to a period without it to reset.

It is banned for those who operate heavy machinery, including those in the mines, and police, pilots and bus drivers can’t have alcohol on board.

So, why are we so sensitive about demanding others with great responsibilities to be cognisant and mentally sharp?

Our councillors and members of Parliament make rules and laws we must all live by.

Surely it is not too much to expect that they don’t have wine with their lunch or a champagne at a ribbon cutting?

Adam Reynolds, pictured playing for the Broncos, was involved in a late-night scuffle with his teammate. Picture: AAP

Our professional sportspeople are paid a motza to perform at a high level, to wow us with their skill and speed.

Their contracts should include the need to do these things with a clean system and a mind on their job.

It is certainly not to say that every person who imbibes is drunk or lacking control – and I love a glass of something as much as the next person.

But by its nature, alcohol mars perception and loosens us up.

These are not traits we want in those who carry great professional responsibility.

Dr Jane Stephens is a UniSC journalism lecturer, media commentator and writer.

Subscribe to SCN’s free daily news email

This field is hidden when viewing the form
This field is for validation purposes and should be left unchanged.
[scn_go_back_button] Return Home
Share