One Nation’s Pauline Hanson has told independent Senator Jacqui Lambie to “please explain” her refusal to support plans to drug test welfare recipients.
Senator Lambie is refusing to back the Morrison government’s push until she feels rehabilitation services can meet the demands of those in need.
But fellow crossbencher Senator Hanson has questioned the motives of this position.
“Her child has been on drugs and you wouldn’t knock something back that could possibly help people like her son,” she said.
“Why is she knocking this back … who’s got in her ear.”
Senator Lambie revealed four years ago her son had struggled with ice addiction.
It comes as Prime Minister Scott Morrison and his government attempt to sway opinion behind its twice-rejected idea saying its plan would help sufferers of drug dependency.
Crossbench Senator Jacqui Lambie speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
A trial would be rolled out in three locations - Logan in Queensland, Canterbury Bankstown in New South Wales and Mandurah in Western Australia under the proposal.
But the plan has drawn backlash over concerns under-resourced rehab services are already struggling to support people directed towards them.
Senator Lambie told Channel Nine’s Today Show she needs to see more beds in rehab facilities before supporting the measure.
“We have had all this time to put more services into action and they haven’t actually done that,” she said.
“They have showed no progress in making sure that they have rehab beds out there for anyone who needs them - especially our children.”
But Mr Morrison has stood behind the government’s plan.
“These are difficult problems and you have to ensure that you're having a go at trying to fix these problems,” he said.
“If you're not prepared to do that, well, you're clearly not committed to trying to address this issue.”
The proposal is designed to get those taking substances off drugs and into work.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
It would see 5,000 Newstart and Youth Allow recipients tested in the trial with those who fail tests facing the prospect of income management.
Welfare recipients that test positive for drugs are referred for a second one.
Social Services Minister Anne Ruston said people who fail tests twice would then be directed towards treatment options to deal with their dependency.
"We are not intending in anyway if people meet these obligations to cut one per cent of their payments," she said.
"We all know the currency of drug dealers is cash and we want to deny them the opportunity of getting that cash and to help those people that currently have the problem."
Ms Ruston said a $10 million treatment fund alongside the trial would ensure those struggling with addiction can access the support they need.
“We are estimating that about two to three percent of the five thousand people that are tested are likely to fail the second test,” she said.
“In estimating that number we decided to set aside an amount that we thought was more than adequate in fact generous to be able to provide the services.”
Unlike Senator Lambie – Senator Hanson has signaled her support for the Morrison government’s plan.
Social Services Minister Anne Ruston speaks to the media during a press conference at Parliament House in Canberra. Source: AAP
"I've gone out to communities that are actually distraught because there kids are on drugs,” she said.
“This is a way to actually start cleaning it up and taking a tough stance against drugs.”
But she too said more must be done to support rehabilitation services.
“If a member of the public comes forward and they are wanting to get their act cleaned up then you have got to make those facilities available to people,” she said.
“Families are screaming out for it - they want it.”
Last week SBS News spoke to Mayor of the City of Canterbury Bankstown Khal Asfour – whose western Sydney council is one of three locations selected to host the two-year trial.
Senator Pauline Hanson. Source: AAP
He raised concerns there are no long term rehabilitation facilities currently open in his area.
“If they were really serious about helping people come off drugs then … they should be investing in long term rehabilitation centres,” he said.
Labor Opposition Leader Anthony Albanese said the evidence does not support Mr Morrison’s plan.
“He needs to provide the evidence that these measures are working or would work,” he said.
“When you look at international examples … whether it be New Zealand, the United States … the evidence is that this is not working.”
This is the third time in three years the government has attempted to push forward such legislation.
Additional reporting: AAP
