Craig Garland, an independent member of Tasmania’s parliament seeking re-election next month, has pleaded guilty to a drug-driving offence.
Mr Garland, who represents the electorate of Braddon following his 2024 election win, appeared in Burnie Magistrates Court on Thursday. He faced a charge of driving with an illicit drug detected in his oral fluid, the result of a roadside drug test.
In this legal context, “prescribed” refers to a drug identified as illicit under Tasmanian law, not a medically prescribed substance.
(Image: ABC News – Ebony ten Broeke)
A former commercial fisherman, Mr Garland previously revealed on ABC Radio in November that he tested positive while heading out to fish at Montagu in Tasmania’s north-west. He admitted to using cannabis recreationally and for pain relief, stating he had smoked it the night before the test.
His lawyer, Scott Ashby, submitted a guilty plea, which was accepted by Magistrate Katie Edwards. Details of the offence were not presented in court, as Mr Ashby requested a future date for final proceedings.
The matter has been adjourned to September 15 for sentencing, a hearing of the facts, and consideration of a restricted licence application.
(Image: ABC News – Mackenzie Heard)
For a first offence, the maximum penalty includes a fine of up to 10 penalty units (currently $2,020), a 12-month licence disqualification, and a possible three-month jail term. Repeat offenders face doubled penalties.
Courts may grant restricted licences under specific circumstances, particularly where losing a licence would cause unusual hardship or where no practical transport alternatives exist.
Mr Garland is contesting re-election as an independent in the upcoming state poll scheduled for July 19.
According to section 34(e) of Tasmania’s Constitution Act, an MP can only be removed from office if convicted and sentenced to more than one year of imprisonment.
