In 2014 the government denied a proposal to subject welfare recipients to drug testing. Proponents including Liberal-National Party MP George Christensen argued that anyone receiving taxpayer funded benefits should be able to demonstrate that they are drug-free. Opponents, including Greens MP Adam Bandt, argued that if welfare recipients were subject to testing MPs should be as well.
Statistics are shown for this demographic
Local Government Area
State Electorate
Response rates from 7.5k Melbourne Ports voters.
63% Yes |
37% No |
53% Yes |
30% No |
7% Yes, but provide treatment for those testing positive |
5% No, only if they have a criminal history related to drug abuse |
2% Yes, test anyone receiving money from the government including employees and politicians |
2% No, this is a waste of time and money |
1% Yes, and immediately terminate benefits for anyone testing positive |
Trend of support over time for each answer from 7.5k Melbourne Ports voters.
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Trend of how important this issue is for 7.5k Melbourne Ports voters.
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Unique answers from Melbourne Ports voters whose views went beyond the provided options.
@9VPTBW35mos5MO
No, only if they have a history (criminal or otherwise) with class A illegal drugs. I would not waste the time or money to include anything legally prescribed aka cannabis.
@9HJY34R1yr1Y
Yes, if they have a history and are exhibiting the signs of drug abuse after an interview with a professional
@9JJBTWF1yr1Y
if they have a history of drugs, there should be a way to track spendings from the goverment point, so they can see if they are evn buying drugs
@9HKY3771yr1Y
Yes, but only if a trained employee sees the typical signs of addiction/substance abuse, and after they refer this recipient to an onsite specialist who comes to the same conclusion should they be tested (or voluntary)
@9JXWD391yr1Y
Yes, provide treatment for those who test positive, and test everyone earning money from the government, including employees and politicians.
@B3WRDQQ4 days4D
I dont feel all need to be tested as that would be intrusive and a waste of money although id o understand the want to stop any welfare money to be spent on drugs but testing only those with criminal drug history although I feel does make sense also could cause people who do have past drug problems to not trust government agencies and so I guess no but I do also feel if such a thing were to be introduced giving treatment to those who test positive is imperative
@B3NKCLW2wks2W
No, this deters and limits vulnerable people with mental health and addiction issues and creates discrimination bases on who is deemed "worthy" or the right kind of vulnerable to help be assisted by government programs
@B343QT24wks4W
Yes, if they have a criminal history related to drug use. If they test positive, then treatment should be provided.
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