Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

We are determined to continue our work to address barriers to unemployment right across Australia, including in those areas where unemployment levels are too high. As we on this side of the chamber know, supporting jobseekers to overcome substance abuse will improve their chances of finding a job and reduce the risk of ongoing welfare dependency. This is not a measure about punishing people or ripping away payments; it's about helping them to address their substance abuse and put them in a better position to come off welfare.

We are also assisting with drug and alcohol treatment and ensuring that it becomes an approved activity in the job plans of jobseekers from 1 January this year. We've also introduced a bill to establish drug-testing trials. Our social security system will help the government target funding towards programs and policies that help people into education. (Time expired)