The policy outlines the responsibilities of all employees relating to alcohol and other drugs in Department schools and workplaces and is underpinned by the Occupational Safety and Health Act 1984 and related staff and student duty of care obligations.

A secondment is the voluntary placement for a defined period, with the requirement that the employee returns to their substantive position on completion. The Department of Education supports secondment for staff development.

Public School excursions are undertaken to further students’ learning and social skills development outside their normal school environment. Activities conducted outside the relatively protective environment of the school site involve greater risk. Therefore particular attention must be given to the safety and welfare of all excursion participants.