The Northern Territory Government has said it would be willing to consider the use of police sniffer dogs at schools if measures to curb growing drug use in the community don't work.
Independent Terry Mills told Parliament today that the "devastating" effect of drugs, particularly methamphetamine, on families and the broader community is "predicted to worsen and therefore bold measure are required".
He asked Education Minister Eva Lawler if she would support the regular and random use of police sniffer dogs at NT middle and high schools as one measure to support families and educators.
"The issue of detection, I would be willing to have a very good look at all of those issues, but first and foremost I think it needs to be starting at the beginning working with those young kids in primary schools." Ms Lawler told Parliament.
Northern Territory drug rehabilitation centres have been struggling with a growing number of addicts.
Ms Lawler said any consideration of sniffer dogs at schools would be a last resort.
"First and foremost to me, it is about making sure there's things in place, making sure that teachers, school councillors, school nurses, those community engagement police officers have really good relationships with kids in schools so that they know what's going on," she said.
"It is a complex issue, it's one that I would have a really good look at but as I said I think there's a lot of work to be done first and foremost before we get to those stages of those issues faced and as I said I think that's a fair way down the track."
