AMA Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee Inquiry into the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Drug Testing Trial) Bill 2018

The AMA has significant concerns about the proposed trial to drug tests welfare recipients. Elements of the proposal are unnecessarily punitive and will increase stigmatisation among the most disadvantaged in the community. There is a widely agreed upon need to increase the capacity of the drug and alcohol treatment sector, which is often unable to meet demands.  The proposal will increase demand for treatment services in the trial sites and may result in delays in accessing treatment for those actively seeking it (independent of the trial).