All MPs would face mandatory drug testing under proposal by SA Liberals

The South Australian Liberal Party has proposed mandatory random drug testing for all members of state parliament. 

The idea was first raised by Amanda Wilson, the party's new candidate for the seat of Black for Saturday's by-election – which only came about because her predecessor, former opposition leader David Speirs, was arrested on drugs charges. Speirs has publicly denied any wrong doing.

Wilson, who has Speirs' backing for the by-election, believes that random drug testing for politicians can help rebuild public confidence in elected officials.

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"When I was out door-knocking, a tradie said it to be me it was unfair that tradies had to be drug testing randomly and politicians didn't," she said.

It's got the backing of state Liberal leader Vincent Tarzia.

"I'm more than happy for anyone to swab me before i go into parliament," the opposition leader said.

"I certainly have got nothing to hide and I'm more than happy to take a drug test at any time."

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However, Premier Peter Malinauskas has expressed scepticism at the proposal.

"Look, it's not something that's crossed my mind, for good reason," he said. 

This article was produced with the assistance of 9ExPress.