Independent Braddon MP Craig Garland has faced court charged with driving with an illicit drug in his system, following a roadside test that detected cannabis.
Garland appeared in Burnie Magistrates Court this morning on a charge of driving a motor vehicle with an illicit drug present in his oral fluid.
The charge stems from a police oral fluid test conducted in November 2024.
Garland did not enter a plea during the brief hearing, with the matter adjourned until June.
In a statement, Garland confirmed the details of the charge.
“Today, I was required to attend the Burnie Magistrates Court in relation to a single charge of driving while a prescribed illicit drug was in my oral fluid. The drug was identified as cannabis,” he said.
“I received additional information from Police today and I plan to seek further legal advice.”
“As the matter is before the court, I am unable to comment further at this stage.”
The independent MP has previously admitted to using cannabis “on and off for a long time” for both recreational purposes and pain relief.
Speaking on local radio last November, Garland said he had consumed cannabis the night before the test, believing he would not be detected by police.
“I have been tested a number of times and returned a negative test,” Garland said at the time.
“I thought I had it worked out – what you could have in your system and not break the law – but obviously on this occasion I got it wrong.”
Under Tasmania’s Road Safety Act, motorists caught with illicit drugs in their system can face monetary penalties and potential suspension of their driving licence.
The state’s Misuse of Drugs Act carries more severe penalties for possession of controlled substances, with maximum penalties including fines exceeding $10,000 or imprisonment for up to two years.
