Aus Gov Is Trying to Re-Introduce Drug-Testing for Youth Welfare Recipients

The war on youth welfare is back.

Last year, the government introduced a new proposal to test recipients of Youth Allowance or Newstart for drug use. The proposal was later dumped after it failed to garner support in the Senate.

But yesterday, new Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan announced that the unemployed were more likely to engage in drug use, so they're now planning on bringing it back.

Here's new social services minister Dan Tehan quietly announcing he's bringing back the government's controversial welfare drug testing trial. pic.twitter.com/yBXNFXDeVh

— Alice Workman (@workmanalice) February 27, 2018

So, while we all assumed the war on youth welfare was buried for good, it seems that it's returned for round two.

Essentially, if you're on welfare, you'll be subject to drug tests that detect for traces of methamphetamines, cannabis and ecstasy. If you test positive for these drugs, 80 per cent of your cash income will be moved to a 'Basics Card', which can only be used to purchase 'essential' items. 

The bill will still need to pass the House of Representatives and then the Senate before it's made into law.

If passed, trials will begin in three areas with higher levels of welfare: Sydney's Canterbury-Bankstown area, Brisbane's Logan and Perth's Mandurah.

After alcohol, cannabis is the most commonly used drug for children aged 12 to 17 and, according to a survey conducted in 2016, around one in five Australians have tried an illicit substance by the age of 19. 

Student Edge is running a survey on youth welfare and would love to hear what you think about these proposals. Check out the survey here to take part.

Photo: iStock.com/Vonschonertagen