The Transport Workers Union in New South Wales (NSW) is shifting police attention from truck drivers to trucking companies over illegal drug use.

National secretary Tony Sheldon supported the move saying, “Targeting the driver is like getting the tail of the lion.” Sheldon reiterated the common claim of drivers having to resort to drugs so as to combat fatique and meet the heavy demands of their employers.

The national secretary is redirecting police efforts towards the companies because “It's the head of the beast that makes all the decisions, that's the clients, the ones that actually make the economic advantage out of having sweatshops on wheels.”

The Road and Transport Authority (RTA) in NSW imposes a fine up to $2,200, imprisonment for up to 9 months, and automatic disqualification from driving for 12 months for driving under the influence of drugs. The penalties increase progressively for second and subsequent offenses.

The RTA also covers the employer of the professional drivers. Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act 2000, "An employer must ensure the health, safety and welfare at work of all the employees of the employer."

The RTA can impose the maximum penalty of $550,000 on an employer who encourages a driver to take drugs. The maximum penalty for the second and subsequent offense is $825,000.