2018-06-19
The Australian Greens have urged the crossbench not to cave in and wave through drug testing trials of income support recipients that would hurt vulnerable people in Canterbury-Bankstown, Logan and Mandurah.
“When drug testing income support recipients was folded into the broader welfare reform bill, it was rejected by the Senate for good reason.
“Health and addiction experts have overwhelmingly rejected this proposal.
“There is consistent overseas evidence to show drug testing income support recipients is expensive and ineffective and increases stigma for people struggling with addiction.
“It is 2018, we know that the best way to support people out of addiction is through strong wrap around health services and that punitive top down approaches don’t work.
“I urge the Senate crossbench to vote down the bill when it comes before the Senate”.