Calls for new Mandurah council to support welfare drug testing

Friday, 3 November 2017 09:28

By Kathy Koutzas

Social Services Minister Christian Porter with Federal Member for Canning Andrew Hastie. PIC: The West Australian

The Member for Canning Andrew Hastie is calling on the new Mandurah council team to change the City's stance on the government's welfare drug testing trial.

Mandurah was chosen as the third and final site of the federal government's controversial drug testing trial for welfare recipients from January 1, 2018.

Under the plans, those who test positive once will be put on income management while welfare recipients who test positive twice will be referred to a medical professional for treatment.

If the plans pass the Senate, about 750 people in the City of Mandurah will be tested for cannabis, ecstasy, MDMA, methamphetamine and opiates.

The Member for Canning Andrew Hastie wants to know if the City of Mandurah will reconsider it's opposition to welfare drug testing under new Mayor Rhys Williams.

"My question to the new council team is do you want to see drug dealers taking taxpayers money and do we want to see the families of those affected by drugs missing out on essential goods and services because the money is going to drug dealers.

"That's why this trial needs to happen and I think we should all support it.

"Before the local government election they unanimously as a council opposed the trial saying it would damage Mandurah's branding and that the government is taking welfare away from people.

Mr Hastie said that's not the case.

"If someone tests positive they'll be put on a 24 month income management plan where 80% of their welfare goes to a cashless welfare card with plenty of approved merchants around Marundah who can provide goods and services to them."

A new survey shows the majority of Australians support random drug testing for welfare benefits.

Mr Hastie said the results shows the council were out of touch with the local community.