Father of Anna Wood, who died of an overdose at a music festival, wants councillors drug tested

The father of Sydney teen Anna Wood — who died after taking ecstasy at a music festival — has pleaded with a group of councillors to undergo drug tests, saying it would help to save young lives.

Tony Wood, father of teenager Anna Wood who died from an ecstasy overdose. Picture: Richard Dobson

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The father of a teen who died after taking ecstasy at a music festival has pleaded with a group of Sydney councillors to undergo drug tests, saying it would help to save young lives.

Tony Wood addressed the Northern Beaches Council meeting on Tuesday night to support calls for all councillors and council staff to be subject to random drug tests.

Mr Wood’s daughter Anna - a Forest High student - died in 1995 after taking ecstasy at a rave.

Anna Wood died in 1995 after taking ecstasy at a rave. Picture: Toby Zerna

She along with three friends took the same tablets. Her friends survived, but Anna died three days later.

“We are losing too many kids,” Mr Wood, from Manly, said.

“We are losing too many people to car accidents, drownings and everything else. We really need to start doing something about drug use in this country.”

Addressing the proposal to drug test councillors, he said: “Look, this is a brave move and a bold move but I really hope that you will vote for it because it needs to be started somewhere and needs to go right across our country.

“I hope it goes right through to state and federal parliament.”

His call to action was in support of a motion put forward by councillor Pat Daley who said drug use will soon make alcohol look like an afternoon tea party.

A shot of the Lost Paradise Festival in 2018 at Glenworth Valley on the Central Coast. Source: Twitter @lostparadiseau

His motion - which came in the wake of a number of drug deaths at music festivals over summer - called on the council officers to investigate a random drug testing scheme for councillors and all staff.

After being informed the council was already in the process of consulting on a random drug test scheme for staff, he changed the wording of his motion to refer only to councillors, who he said should be setting an example.

His motion divided opinion in the council chamber and was narrowly voted down.

Cr Rory Amon said he would be more than happy to be drug tested, adding: “Five per cent of our population is alcohol and drug dependent,” he said.

Pat Daley led a push to drug test councillors. Picture: Damian Shaw

“That means in our organisation between 50 and 100 council staff who come to work every day… cannot function with drugs and alcohol in their system.

“That is hugely problematic.”

He said testing would not only prevent those with drug and alcohol problems joining the council but would also encourage those with issues to get help.

Cr Roslyn Harrison said she was not only against testing councillors but also staff.

“I am strongly against this as somebody who has never taken drugs and consumes no alcohol,” she said.

“I do this by choice and my choice alone. I wouldn’t dare to tell someone else how to make their own choices.”

She said testing staff could lead to numerous issues including the possibility of false positives and law suits.

“I feel that most staff would feel this is a violation of their rights,” she added. “This to me breeds a culture of suspicion and lack of trust which ultimately lowers morale and reduces productivity.

“I don’t feel that this northern beaches council is where we are headed.”

Mayor Michael Regan slammed Cr Daley’s proposal as “grandstanding” and “carrying on”.

“I tell you what, as soon as the Prime Minister and Premier want to do this and bring it in themselves then knock yourself out, we should also follow that lead,” he said.

“Until then I stand by what I’m saying, this is just a stunt.”