SEXUAL predators who slip potentially deadly drugs into drinks could face up to 10 years in jail under tough new laws proposed by the State Government.
Drink spiking will be a criminal offence under the crack- down announced yesterday.
The move comes after a high-level Parliamentary inquiry into illegal drugs recommended harsh sanctions be imposed to reflect the crime's gravity. Police have reported drink spiking has risen sharply in the past two years, with young women the primary targets of male predators.
Victims are usually sedated before being sexually assaulted. Drugs used include rohypnol and more recently, the paralysis-inducing gamma hydroxy-butyrate, also known as grievous bodily harm.
The State Coroner is investigating the death of Isabel Kenton, 21, just hours after she told police she believed her drink had been spiked.
Health Minister Bronwyn Pike said the Government was concerned about the prevalence of drink spiking and would act in consultation with experts to draft new laws.
Ms Pike said the Government agreed with the bi- partisan Drugs and Crime Prevention Committee that all aspects of the crime might not be covered under state law.
"Although current laws carry penalties of up to 10 years, the creation of a specific offence could send a message consistent with community attitudes," she said.
"There is also a view that current penalties may not be strong enough to cover all forms of sexual assault."
Ms Pike said the Government would examine drink spiking laws in the United Kingdom, which cover all forms of sexual assault, not just rape.
Under the Crimes Act, it is an offence to administer a drug or any other matter to enable an act of sexual penetration, but does not cover other sexual assaults.
The offence carries a jail term of up to 10 years.
But the Government rejected some of the inquiry's suggestions, including random drug testing of security staff, voluntary testing for ravers and developing a mandatory code for dance and club venues.