LOGAN continues to resist the drug testing of welfare recipients in the current form proposed by the Federal government.
But it has welcomed the chance to lead discussions about the trials when a senate committee sits in Logan today to hear submissions from the public.
Deputy mayor Cr Cherie Dalley said Logan was blindsided when selected as a trial site for the program alongside Mandurah, in Western Australia. and Canterbury-Bankston, in New South Wales.
“… since then, we have advocated strongly for the federal government to suspend introducing this legislation pending proper consultation with us, the community, and health experts,” Cr Dalley said.
“We agree drug abuse and addiction are a national problem which needs serious solutions to address the entirety of the problem.
“Many social issues exist alongside substance abuse such as poor mental health, domestic violence, unemployment and crime, so we welcome the Federal Government’s involvement in solving these major challenges. However we believe that what is needed are holistic wrap-around services to support these people found to be in need of assistance.
“Focusing on one issue in isolation of the others does not work. We believe an integrated case management approach is needed where each individual receives the support they need from a range of service providers in the areas of holistic family support services, employment services, access to housing, mental health care, drug and alcohol support and life skills.
“We’ve lobbied hard for the Logan experts in these fields to have a seat the table so we can have our voices heard.
“Having the Senate Committee public hearing here in Logan helps give us a voice and we’re appreciative of the opportunity.”
Council representatives met with Federal ministers in Canberra last year to advocate for Logan’s position, which is based on the feedback of experts, said Cr Dalley.
“At previous Senate hearings, strong concerns were raised by medical experts and those working in the sector regarding many elements of the proposed trials,” she said.
“One concern raised was around the lack of resources, long waiting lists and the extremely high level of unmet demand for treatment services Australia-wide.
“By having public hearings in here in Logan, we’re hopeful those professionals who know the issues – and the area – can help influence changes to address these concerns and ensure that any drug testing pilot is delivered in a way that effectively addresses addiction issues.”
The Federal government has committed $10 million toward support support services subject to the legislation’s passage.
Trials were proposed to start on January 1, but were removed from social welfare legislation introduced to Federal Parliament in December last year due to a lack of support.
The public hearing will be held at the Logan City Council Administrative Centre and broadcast live on the internet.
