Alcohol and drug use
Illegal drugs (narcotics) include heroin, cocaine, Ecstasy, hallucinogens (acid, trips) cannabis, hashish, amphetamines (speed, uppers) and tranquillisers. It is illegal to possess, supply, traffic or cultivate illegal drugs. For further information and referral to drug and alcohol services visit the Australian Drug Information Network website.
In Australia it is illegal to drive whilst under the influence of alcohol or drugs. For further information see the Queensland Transport and Queensland Police websites.
Also see: Drugs and alcohol safety information
| Driving, drinking and drugs |
| Drink Driving and Legal Blood Alcohol Concentration (BAC) |
Drink driving is one of the major killers on Queensland Roads. Your blood alcohol concentration is a measurement of the amount of alcohol in your body. Limits apply, depending on the class of licence you hold and your age. Check the Queensland Government Road Safety website for more inforamtion on these rules. For more information go here
|
Random Breath Testing (RBT)
|
If you intend to drive, it is best not to drink any alcohol. In Queensland and all other Australian states, random breath testing (RBT) is used. The police set up the RBT units at various locations and randomly test drivers' alcohol content (you will be asked to blow into a bag). If the police stop you for this test, you are obliged by law to comply.
|
Anti-drug driving
|
Driving under the influence of drugs is dangerous as it can affect your driving ability. The side effects of drug driving may include slower reaction times, distorted perceptions of speed and distance and reduced concentration and coordination.
There is zero tolerance for driving under the influence of illegal drugs and police may conduct random roadside tests (saliva tests) to check for the presence of various illegal drugs. Penalties apply.
|
Back to top
Road Laws
If you plan on driving while you are in Australia, it is essential that you first become familiar with the Queensland Road Rules.
Always follow the basic road rules below and remember that fines and demerit points apply for breaking these rules.
- You must give way to the right at unsigned cross intersections.
- You must abide by traffic signs, lights and road markings.
- You must obey the speed limit.
- A STOP sign means that all wheels of your vehicle must come to a complete halt.
- You cannot make a U-turn at a set of traffic lights, unless a sign states you can.
Each State has its own “rules of the road”. It is important that you know these rules, as you will be interacting with traffic and roads whilst you are here – even if it is just as a pedestrian. Also see: Road Safety information.
Back to top
Stalking / offensive emails
Stalking is a form of harassment or behaviour designed to intimidate or torment another person. It is a criminal offence in Queensland.
Read more about what constitutes stalking, what action you can take and what support is available.
If you believe that you are being stalked, or you receive emails that are offensive, you may see staff at Student Services or the UQ Union for support. For immediate assistance contact UQ Security or the Police on 000 straight away.
Back to top
Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
Discrimination, harassment and bullying will not be tolerated at The University of Queensland under any circumstances, and may be unlawful under State or Commonwealth law. UQ policy on Discrimination, Harassment and Bullying
If you experience discrimination, harassment or bullying in the University or in the community, come and see someone at Student Services, the UQ Union, or speak with a University Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officer. Visit the UQ Equity Office website for a list of University Discrimination and Harassment Contact Officers.
Back to top
Domestic Violence
In Australia, it is unacceptable for people to threaten or use physical violence against each other. Threatening to hurt, or hurting your spouse, partner or child is a crime and is punishable by law. Emotional, verbal, sexual and social abuse and withholding of financial support are forms of abuse / violence and are unacceptable criminal offences. For more information, see: What is domestic violence?
Victims of domestic violence
If your life is placed in danger, please call the Police on 000. The Domestic Violence Telephone Service (1800 811 811 (for women); 1800 600 636 (for men) - 24 hours) will assist all people affected by domestic violence and includes a telephone counselling and referral service to women’s refuges and community agencies. Women’s refuges are a safe place for women and children escaping domestic violence. Refuges provide a range of services including information and personal support, a place to explore your options and make decisions about the future. They try to create a homelike situation where residents are free to come and go. Each family has their own bedroom while cooking and living facilities are shared with other residents. No cash is needed to enter a women’s refuge. Refuges generally keep their addresses secret to ensure the safety of residents.
One of the things that you can do to help yourself is to develop a safety plan for those times when you feel unsafe or at risk of being hurt. Read here about important things to consider when working out your own safety plan.
If you know of any student or dependant of a UQ International Student who is concerned about Domestic Violence, they can be referred to an International Student Adviser to discuss their situation in strict confidence. There are also help services available outside the University if this is preferred.
Perpetrators of violence
Study, economic and /or family pressures are not a justification, nor may they be used as an explanation, for resorting to the use of violence. If you feel any inclination to take out your frustration by hurting another member of your family, then it is important to seek professional help from a counsellor. Perpetrators of violence often feel remorseful and fear losing their families. Seeking help for domestic violence does not mean the end of a relationship. It means admitting and taking mature responsibility for the violence, and seeking to establish a relationship where both parties are equal. For more information, see: How to get help if you are the perpetrator of violence.
Useful community resources:
-
-
Domestic Violence Telephone Service on 1800 811 811 (for women); 1800 600 636 (for men) - 24 hours a day, 7 days a week for assistance, telephone counselling and referral
- Domestic Violence Regional Services for Gatton – 3816 3000 or 4639 3605
-
Ipswich Women’s Centre Against Domestic Violence Ph: 3816 3000 or 1800 026 262
-
Relationships Australia (marriage/relationship counselling) for Brisbane Metro Ph: 3831 2005 or for outside Brisbane ph 1800 176 002. Ipswich Ph: 3808 9235
-
CentreCare (Catholic) Family Services Ph 3252 4371
-
Lifeline 13 11 14 (24 hour service) or appointments Ph 3252 7086
-
Immigrant Women’s Support Service Ph: 3846 3490
-
Legal Aid –Telephone Information Service Ph: 1300 651 188 (business hours)
-
Department of Families (Child Abuse) Ph: 3224 8045, After Hours Crisis Care in Brisbane: Ph: 3235 9999; outside Brisbane 1800 177 135
-
Translating and Interpreting Service Ph: 13 14 50 (24 hours)
-
Women’s Legal Service – 3392 0670
-
Parentline – 1300 30 1300
-
Kid’s Helpline – 1800 55 1800 (free call)
Back to top
Your feedback counts
| What did you think about this page or website, was the information helpful? |
  |