Mandurah's proposed welfare drug testing trial is one step closer to becoming reality, with its legislation passing the House of Representatives.
The Bill was passed with unanimous support by the Coalition, despite opposition from the Labor Party.
Member for Canning Andrew Hastie supported the Bill, arguing it complemented action already taken by the Coalition in Mandurah.
“In Mandurah, the Drug-Testing Trial is part of a multipronged approach to fighting local drug abuse. The Coalition has invested in improving health services through the PYMS Health Hub and headspace, and in school education programs. And now with this program we’re directly identifying and coming alongside the people who need help.”
“The Drug Testing Trial provides further funding for local drug treatment services, and, crucially, it helps keep taxpayers' money out of the hands of drug dealers.”
Under the program, recipients of Youth Allowance and Newstart in Mandurah may be required to undergo a random drug test.
Those who test positive will have 80 per cent of their payments placed on income management where they still available to buy essentials, but unable to withdraw cash.
None of their payment will be cancelled.
Those who test positive a second time will be referred to a medical professional and have treatment for substance abuse incorporated into their Centrelink Job Plan.
Mr Hastie argued that the trial’s design expected nothing more from jobseekers than would be expected in employment.
“Drug addiction is a huge barrier to long-term employment. Many jobs today require regular drug tests. I was tested in my previous career. Drug testing is common in the mining industry, one of the biggest employers in WA. Even the City of Mandurah, who has opposed this trial, drug tests its employees.”
“Helping people get a job is the entire point of Newstart and Youth Allowance. So rather than letting these people be forgotten in the system, potentially for years with no change, the Drug Testing Trial identifies them early to receive the help they need to become drug-free and job ready.”
The Bill now goes before the Senate.
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