Finance Minister Mathias Cormann insists he would be completely relaxed about being subjected to drug tests.
Tuesday's federal budget announced that from 2018, 5000 Newstart and Youth Allowance recipients will be included in two-year testing trials for illicit substances including ice, ecstasy and marijuana.
Anyone who tests positive will have their welfare quarantined, while those who fail more than once will be referred to medical professionals for assessment and treatment.
Malcolm Turnbull insists the new drug-testing regime is simply the government's way of helping people get their lives back together.
However, welfare lobby groups are worried the tests will demonise job hunters and push them in homelessness and crime.
Independent senator Jacqui Lambie suggested politicians in Canberra should also be subjected to drug tests.
Senator Cormann said he was considering the idea.
"I'd be completely relaxed about being randomly drug tested on a regular basis," he told ABC Radio on Wednesday.
Treasurer Scott Morrison said the idea doesn't trouble him.
Asked if anyone in Parliament House would be nervous about drug testing, Mr Morrison told 2GB: "got no idea."
Share
