Federal Government still looking to pass welfare drug testing trial in Logan

The controversial policy was initially slated to begin on January 1, but the Senate rejected it, forcing the federal government to remove the drug trial element from the Welfare Reform Bill in 2017.

If passed, the government would establish two year drug testing trials across three locations including Logan.

Welfare recipients testing positive to a drug test would be placed on income management which could see up to 80 per cent of their welfare payments quarantined.

A second drug test would be required 25 days later and would result in a medical referral to assess circumstances and identify treatment options.

With citizenship woes  changing the composition of the Senate, the federal government is set to reach out to new crossbenchers to pass the measure.

Forde MP Bert van Manen said it was appropriate for the government to get the measure over the line. 

“Trialing drug testing for welfare recipients is a priority for the Turnbull Government and remained in our Midyear Economic Fiscal Outlook,” he said.

Logan City Mayor Luke Smith has consistently opposed the trial site being held in Logan, accusing the federal government of having an “atrocious lack of understanding” about what is going on.

Mr van Manen countered criticism of the idea and said he expected to see positive outcomes flow if the legislation passes.

“While some suggest this strategy will result in an increase in crime, trials of the BasicsCard in rural communities have shown positive results including a reduction in alcohol fueled violence, crime and domestic violence incidents,” he said.

“Trialing drug testing for welfare recipients has received widespread support nationally and I believe anything we can do to reduce drug use in our community and help people get out of the welfare system and access the right support is a positive step.”

Mr van Manen did not comment on whether the government would set a deadline to pass the measure.