More than 2000 public servants at the Department of Immigration and Border Protection have been randomly drug tested at work in a bid to crack down on lapsed standards, safety risks and potential corruption.
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The program, criticised by the main public sector union as well as independent experts, was introduced in July when the former customs service was disbanded and reformed as the Australian Border Force, under the control of the department.
Public servants at the department's Belconnen office have reported a spike in testing during recent weeks with the end of financial year reporting period looming.
According to the department, the testing regime has been extended to office-bound public servants to ensure the integrity, professionalism and safety of staff and the public.
Staff with an alcohol blooding reading higher than 0.02 face disciplinary action. The tests are anonymous although supervisors are notified after a positive result.
The testing regime was introduced alongside new restrictions on social media, second jobs and sloppy appearances when the two departments merged last year.
A DIBP spokesman said 2087 staff had been tested with a similar testing regime used at the former customs service.
"DIBP workers are called upon to make reasoned and impartial judgements that affect the safety, rights and freedoms of other individuals," a department spokesman said.
"The community and government place considerable faith and trust in DIBP workers to exercise their authority and powers reasonably and professionally, with the clear expectation that they are committed to the highest standards of personal integrity and professionalism."
The department has also expressed concerns staff with alcohol or drug habits could become susceptible to compromise and the importation of drugs.
"This risk is increased for DIBP workers engaging in illicit drug taking and applies not only to front line operational staff, but also to office-based staff with access to sensitive information," the framework said.
When the testing regime was extended to office-bound public servants it was seen by many as a "customisation" of the department.
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In a submission to government, the Community and Public Sector union called for drug testing to be limited to those in operation roles rather than office-bound public servants.
"The CPSU is concerned that wider implementation of drug and alcohol testing could undermine the level of trust between the department and its employees," the submission said.
"There is a risk that employees could be unfairly targeted for tests and individuals or groups of employees could be harassed by repeated requests for drug and alcohol tests."
The department has also defended the testing regime as a mechanism to ensure there is no doubt that staff are opposed to the importation or use of illicit drugs.
"One of the objectives of drug and alcohol testing within the department is to ensure that DIBP workers are not seen to condone the importation of illicit drugs," the framework said.
"Organised crime groups can seek to infiltrate government agencies and corrupt public officials. Drug and alcohol testing is an integrity measure designed to mitigate these risks."
