If passed by parliament, 5000 Newstart and Youth Allowance recipients will be drug tested from 1 January 2018 and face a variety of financial penalties if they test positive. The proposal was announced as part of the Federal Budget earlier.
RACP President Dr Catherine Yelland said the College membership, including those from the Australasian Chapter of Addiction Medicine, had expressed disappointment and concern with the proposal.
"Research and experience has shown that drug testing has a poor record in modifying drug use. We know that forcing addicts into treatment is an ineffective way of combating illicit drug use," explained Dr Yelland.
"Addiction is a chronic relapsing and remitting health issue and Governments across Australia must think of it as a chronic healthcare issue moving forward," said Dr Yelland.
Dr Yelland said the RACP believes the solution to reducing the number of Australians suffering from addiction lies in adequately funding treatment and support services.
"We agree that more people suffering with addiction need to be referred for drug and alcohol treatment. However these plans for drug testing of welfare recipients are likely to be ineffective, expensive and could further negatively impact people’s lives.
"Importantly, any approach to this issue must also include proper investment in treatment and recovery services, otherwise people looking for help will just end up at the back of an already long queue," she added.
