From RNZ · RNZ | Te Reo Irirangi o Aotearoa · · 50s
National Promises Random Drug Testing for Jobseekers
National pledges random drug tests for jobseeker beneficiaries to boost work readiness.
In brief
National pledges random drug tests for jobseeker beneficiaries to boost work readiness. National plans random drug testing for jobseeker beneficiaries starting with 10,000 tests annually to ensure work readiness. Originally reported by RNZ.
National's new policy
National promises random drug testing for jobseeker beneficiaries to ensure they're ready for work.
“National is promising to introduce random drug testing for those on the jobseeker benefit to ensure they're "ready for work".”
Policy details
The policy starts with 10,000 tests annually and expands over time.
“Upston said it would start with 10,000 tests in the first year and expand over time.”
Cost and savings
The policy costs $1.5 million per year and saves $580 million from 2027/28 to 2030/31.
“National expects the policy to cost around $1.5 million per annum and be funded from MSD baselines. The savings are expected to be just over $580 million from 2027/28 to 2030/31.”
Consequences for failure
A first failed test records a failure; a second triggers a clinical assessment and potential benefit reductions.
“Under our policy, a first failed test will be recorded and a second failed test will trigger a clinical alcohol and drug assessment.”
Benefit reductions
Single recipients without children lose $48 weekly; couples lose $82; households with children lose $24.
“Single Jobseeker recipients without children would get a reduction of around $48 per week, couples without children would get nearly $82 less per week and Jobseeker recipients with dependent children around $24 less per week - if the changes were made today.”
Next steps
The policy aims to get more people off welfare and into work by 2028.
“Upston said the party was focused on "getting more people off welfare and into work".”
What it means
National plans random drug testing for jobseeker beneficiaries starting with 10,000 tests annually to ensure work readiness.
