So, not only does it turn out that Social Development Minister Paula Bennett's push to drug-test beneficiaries isn't informed by employer complaints - it will also cost twice as much as it is expected to save:
A Ministry of Health document obtained by Radio New Zealand heavily criticises a plan by Government to drug test beneficiaries.As usual, Bennett ignored this advice. As a Minister, that's her call - but it doesn't exactly look like she's engaged in rational, evidence-based policy-making, does it?The memo indicates the plan to cut benefits for job seekers who fail drugs tests could cost up to $14 million per year - double what the Government is setting out to save.
It also says the move could have a dubious effect on people's health and overall welfare.
