Drug testing for the dole?

[liminal]

There is a lot ignorance being shown here.


The "dole" is not cut off. When 1 positive test is returned the person is placed on Income Management for 24 months and tested again in 25 days. Trial participants who test positive twice to a testable drug will be referred to a medical professional for treatment.

Income Management limits the amount of money people can withdraw as cash, with the remaining funds quarantined for the purchase of essentials for themselves and their families – such as rent, childcare, food, school uniforms and household needs. No cash to buy drugs!!

It only applies to Youth Allowance and Newstart. No other forms of welfare will be affected

Still policy wonks

and why not role it out to other welfare areas.

[The Immortal]

Still policy wonks

and why not role it out to other welfare areas.

Because it costs an absolute fortune. The government will not only pay for the administration of the scheme, the staff, the actual tests (probably will use saliva tests like the police), increased salaries to staff in public Drug Health clinics and detox units when the influx hits and still pays the full benefit to the recipients.

That's going to cost a bomb and when it's all said and done taxpayers will still be paying but at least it will go a fair way to drying up available cash to people to buy drugs.