By Tova O’Brien
The Government is already planning to drug test people on the jobseeker benefit. What it's not planning to do is drug test all beneficiaries – but try telling that to Deputy Prime Minister Bill English.
“... Which makes you wonder whether we should have a drugs test for putting people on benefits,” he said today at a Federated Farmers AGM, to cheers from the audience.
The idea was obviously a popular one at the meeting, but it’s not so popular in Parliament.
“I don't support, as a sort of point of principal, a mandatory approach,” says United Future leader Peter Dunne.
“On all benefits – don't be ridiculous,” says ACT leader John Banks.
Mr Dunne and Mr Banks are both politicians on the Government's side. On the Opposition benches they say, why stop with beneficiaries?
“Might be a good idea to test some of these MPs when they come to the house as well,” says Mana leader Hone Harawira.
“Working for Families, superannuation – beneficiaries should not be singled out,” says Maori party co-leader Metiria Turei.
“The National Government does tend to lend itself towards stigmatising beneficiaries,” says Labour MP Jacinda Ardern.
But NZ First MP Brendan Horan says he would support drug testing beneficiaries during work hours.
“Well shouldn't they be out looking for work?” he says.
And from July next year people on the dole will be tested.
“Companies insist drug free - we do too,” says Social Development Minister Paula Bennet.
But the minister says there are absolutely no plans to extend the testing.
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