2.251         In relation to whether the measure is effective to achieve its stated objective, the statement of compatibility cites findings from the Wave 1 Interim Evaluation Report of the Cashless Debit Card Trial, conducted by ORIMA Research and commissioned by the Department of Social Services, based on data collected in the two trial locations over the first six months of the trial.[111] The statement of compatibility describes the report as indicating that 'the trial is having positive early impacts in relation to alcohol consumption, illegal drug use, and gambling in the trial regions'.[112] As outlined in the previous analysis, statistics cited from the report include that 25% of participants reported drinking alcohol less frequently; 32% reported gambling less; and 24% reported using illicit drugs less often.[113]

2.252         While the report states that 'overall, the [trial] has been effective to date' in terms of its performance against certain pre-established indicators, it was noted that the report also contains some other more mixed findings on the operation of the scheme. For example, 49% of participants said the trial had made their lives worse, as did 37% of family members;[114] 33% of participants reported noticing an increase in 'humbugging'[115] or harassment for money, as did 35% of family members;[116] and 46% of participants reported experiencing problems using their card.[117] These statistics are not cited in the statement of compatibility.

2.253         Further, the initial analysis noted that a review of the ORIMA report, published by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research at the Australian National University, raised several issues with the evaluation's findings and methodology.[118] In particular, the review noted the difficulty in identifying whether a reduction in alcohol use was directly attributable to the cashless debit card trial or to alcohol restrictions separately implemented in both locations, including the Takeaway Alcohol Management System trial operating in the East Kimberley during the same period.[119]

2.254         The initial analysis cited an additional concern that the final evaluation of the trial based on the initial 12 month period, which the statement of compatibility cites as a safeguard in relation to the measure,[120] had not yet been finalised. The trial was therefore being extended in the two locations, and expanded elsewhere, before more comprehensive evaluation findings were available. While the statement of compatibility states that 'early indications' suggest the next stage of the report 'will continue to demonstrate positive results',[121] the concerns raised above in relation to some of the interim report's findings raise doubts as to whether the trials have been successful. It was therefore not clear from the statement of compatibility as to why extending and expanding the trials would be effective to achieve the objectives of the measure.

2.255         It was also unclear that the extension of the trials is a proportionate limitation on human rights. The existence of adequate and effective safeguards, to ensure that limitations on human rights are the least rights restrictive way of achieving the legitimate objective of the measure, are relevant to assessing the proportionality of these limitations.

2.256    In this respect, the statement of compatibility argues that it is a relevant safeguard that the rollout of the trials in the two existing locations was subject to an extensive consultation process, and that similar consultation will be conducted in new trial locations, to be set out in legislative instruments. However, it was not clear from the statement of compatibility that consultation had been held in the existing locations in relation to the extension of the trials. It was noted that Indigenous people make up the overwhelming number of participants in both trial sites.[122] While the United Nations Declaration on the Rights of Indigenous Peoples is not included in the definition of 'human rights' under the Human Rights (Parliamentary Scrutiny) Act 2011, it provides some useful context as to how human rights standards under international law apply to the particular situation of Indigenous peoples. Under the Declaration, state parties such as Australia are obligated to 'consult and cooperate in good faith' with Indigenous peoples 'in order to obtain their free, prior and informed consent before adopting and implementing legislative or administrative measures that may affect them'.[123]

2.257    The explanatory memorandum for the Debit Card Bill 2015 noted that the policy intention was for the trial to take place for only 12 months in each location.[124] The initial analysis stated that there was a concern that the trial was now being extended through the bill with no specified end date or sunsetting provision and potentially without adequate consultation with the affected communities. In this respect, the bill would permit 'trials' to be rolled out, extended and imposed on communities on a compulsory basis through legislative instruments without existing safeguards.[125] 

2.258    More generally, the previous analysis identified that the cashless debit card would be imposed without an assessment of individual participants' suitability for the scheme. In assessing whether a measure is proportionate, relevant factors to consider include whether the measure provides sufficient flexibility to treat different cases differently or whether it imposes a blanket policy without regard to the circumstances of individual cases.

2.259         As the cashless debit card trial applies to anyone residing in locations where the trial operates who is receiving a social security payment specified under the scheme, serious doubts were raised as to whether the measures are the least rights restrictive way to achieve the stated objectives. The previous analysis noted that, by comparison, the income management regime in Queensland's Cape York allows for individual assessment of the particular circumstances of affected individuals and the management of their welfare payments.[126] Accordingly, the committee previously stated that this regime may be less rights restrictive than the blanket location-based scheme applied under other income management measures.[127]

2.260         The compulsory nature of the cashless debit card trial also raises questions as to the proportionality of the measures. In its 2016 Review, the committee stated that, while income management 'may be of some benefit to those who voluntarily enter the program, it has limited effectiveness for the vast majority of people who are compelled to be part of it'.[128] The previous analysis stated that application of the scheme on a voluntary basis, or with a clearly defined process for individuals to seek exemption from the trial, would appear to be a less right restrictive way to achieve the trial's objectives. This was not discussed in the statement of compatibility.

2.261         The committee therefore sought further information from the minister as to:

• why it is necessary to extend and expand the trials (including why the extension and expansion is proposed before the final evaluation report is finalised and why no end date to the current trial is specified);
• how the measures are effective to achieve the stated objectives (including whether there is further evidence in relation to the stated effectiveness of the trial);
• how the limitation on human rights is reasonable and proportionate to achieve the stated objectives (including the existence of safeguards and whether affected communities have been adequately consulted in relation to the extension of the trial); and
• whether the use of the cashless debit card could be restricted to instances where:
  • there has been an assessment of an individual's suitability to participate in the scheme rather than a blanket imposition based on location in a particular community;
  • individuals opt-in on a voluntary basis.

Minister's response

2.262         The minister's response restates the objectives of the trial and emphasises the necessity of the measures 'given the high levels of harm in potential communities'. The committee has previously assessed that the stated objective of the trials, in seeking to reduce hardship, violence and harm in communities, is a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law.

2.263         The minister's response states that the initial decision to extend the trials in the two current sites was based on the results of the interim evaluation report as well as ongoing positive feedback from people in the trial communities. The response also refers to the final evaluation report of the cashless debit card trial, conducted by ORIMA Research and released on 1 September 2017, which 'has seen an even further increase in positive outcomes against the three key indicators of a reduction in alcohol and drug use and gambling'. The response states that the expansion of the trials is necessary to 'allow the Government an opportunity to build on the research findings of the interim and final reports [and] to help test the card and the technology that supports it in more diverse communities and settings'.

2.264         In relation to the effectiveness of the trial, the minister's response cites a range of statistics from the final evaluation report, including:

• Of people surveyed who drank alcohol before the trial started, towards the end of the 12 months 41% reported drinking alcohol less frequently (up from 25% in the Wave 1 survey, which was done approximately six months into the trial); 37% of binge drinkers were doing this less frequently (up from 25% at Wave 1).
• A decrease in alcohol-related hospital presentations including a 37% reduction in Ceduna in the first quarter of 2017 compared with first quarter of 2016 (immediately prior to the commencement of the trial).
• A 14% reduction in Ceduna in the number of apprehensions under the Public Intoxication Act compared to the previous year.
• In the East Kimberley, decreases in the alcohol-related pick-ups by the community patrol services in Kununurra (15% reduction) and Wyndham (12%), and referrals to the sobering up shelter in Kununurra (8% reduction).
• A decrease in the number of women in East Kimberley hospital maternity wards drinking through pregnancy.
• Qualitative evidence of a decrease in alcohol-related family violence notifications in Ceduna.
• A noticeable reduction in the number of visible or public acts of aggression and violent behaviour. Nearly 40% of non-participants perceived that violence in their community had decreased.
• People are now seeking medical treatment for conditions that were previously masked by alcohol effects.
• 48% of gamblers reported gambling less (up from 32% at Wave 1).
• In Ceduna and surrounding local government areas (which covers a much bigger region that [sic] the card's operation), poker machine revenue was down 12%. This is the equivalent of almost $550,000 less spent on poker machines in the 12 month trial.
• The card has had "a positive impact in lowering illegal drug use" across the two sites.
• Of drug takers, 48% reported using illegal drugs less often (up from 24% at Wave 1).
• 40% of participants who had caring responsibility reported that they had been better able to care for their children (up from 31% at Wave 1).
• 45% of participants have been better able to save more money (up from 31% at Wave 1).

2.265         It is noted that the final evaluation report appears to provide some evidence to indicate that aspects of the trial may be effective. This includes statistics on participants' reported drug and alcohol use and gambling, which appear to have improved by comparison with the findings of the interim report.

2.266         However, as with some of the findings of the interim report (outlined at [2.252]), the final evaluation contains some mixed results which indicate ongoing concerns over the effectiveness and operation of the scheme. For example, 32% of participants reported that the trial had made their lives worse;[129] 24% of participants with children reported that their child/children's lives were worse as a result of the trial;[130] 33% of participants reported experiencing problems with their card;[131] and 27% of participants reported noticing an increase in 'humbugging'.[132] These statistics and their implications are not referenced in the minister's response.

2.267         Further, questions remain from the final evaluation report regarding the extent to which the reduction in alcohol use is attributable to the cashless debit card trial or to alcohol restrictions separately implemented in both locations, as identified in the review of the interim evaluation report published by the Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research set out above at [2.253]. 

2.268         In relation to how the measures are reasonable and proportionate, the minister's response states:

This amendment does not remove the legislative safeguards protecting how, when and where the Cashless Debit Card can operate. The legislation continues to ensure that the program cannot be implemented in any location without the introduction of a disallowable instrument. These instruments can also specify other safeguards, including sunset dates and participant criteria. This provides the opportunity for the Government to co-design these parameters with interested communities, and tailor the program to meet community needs. It also allows those communities to make decisions about these arrangements in their own time, rather than being restricted by the legislation end date. These safeguards ensure that Parliament retains the right to consider each proposed application of the cashless debit card. Instead of passing legislative amendments for potential hypothetical communities and participants, Parliament can accept or reject new sites by considering the impacts and level of community support for the measure on a case by case basis.

2.269         While it is noted that under the bill the legislative instruments would be able to set out some relevant safeguards, there is no requirement in the bill that they do so. Under the bill, a legislative instrument could be compulsorily imposed on communities without sunset dates, participant criteria or community agreement. The committee has previously noted that it is generally preferable that safeguards, or at least a general legislative requirement for them, be included in primary, rather than delegated, legislation. As set out in the initial analysis, the bill would permit 'trials' to be rolled out or extended through legislative instruments without existing safeguards. The removal of key parameters of the trial from the primary legislation, including the number of participants and the trial end date, raises significant concerns as to whether the measures are proportionate to the objective being sought. While the minister's response further states that the bill 'does not indefinitely extend' the cashless debit card program, it appears to be the effect of the proposed legislation that the program would be able to be extended for a potentially undefined period through particular legislative instruments. In this respect, there is also a risk that the legislative instruments imposing the trial may not be compatible with human rights. If the bill is passed, the committee will assess the human rights implications of the instruments once they are received.

2.270         As to whether affected communities have been adequately consulted in relation to the extension of the trial, the minister's response states:

All decisions around the extension of the Cashless Debit Card have been made and will continue to be made in close partnership with community leaders. Engagement with community members and leaders has been ongoing, informally and formally (through the independent evaluation) in all locations to help Government better understand local needs and gauge interest in the extension of the program. Topics of consultation include objectives; benefits of the program in terms of community safety/wellbeing for vulnerable people; the identification of gaps and possible support services; the role of community bodies; the evaluation; and differences between the Cashless Debit Card and Income Management arrangements.

2.271         The further information indicates that engagement with community members is ongoing to allow the government to 'gauge interest in the extension of the program'. It is welcome that consultation with communities on the operation of the scheme is continuing and that, as stated, decisions will be made in partnership with community leaders. However, it remains unclear whether community members in existing trial locations have been adequately consulted — or support — the extension of the scheme. It is a further concern that no requirements to undertake consultation and secure community agreement are set out in the bill. It would therefore appear to be possible that the trial could be imposed or extended without community consultation or agreement.

2.272         In response to whether the use of the cashless debit card could be restricted to instances where there has been an assessment of an individual's suitability to participate in the trial, the minister's response states:

While Income Management, the Australian Government's other welfare quarantining program, is targeted towards vulnerable individuals, the Cashless Debit Card is testing whether restricting the amount of cash in a community can reduce the overall social harm caused by welfare-fuelled alcohol, gambling and drug misuse at the individual and community level. The community wide impacts of these harmful goods mean that the Cashless Debit Card program is most effective when a majority of people in a community who receive a welfare payment participate in the program. In current sites, the program applies to all people who receive a working age welfare payment in Cashless Debit Card locations, with the exception of Age Pension and Veterans' Pension recipients. However, people receiving these two payments may volunteer to participate. People who earn money from other sources, such as paid work, are also able to volunteer.

The Cashless Debit Card is not designed to operate as a punitive measure. For people who do not spend a large proportion of their money on alcohol, gambling or drugs, the Cashless Debit Card has very little impact and will ensure that those receiving welfare payments and their children will have money available for life's essentials.

Another key difference between Income Management and the Cashless Debit Card is that Cashless Debit Card participants are able to use their card to purchase anything other than alcohol and gambling products, providing greater consumer choice to participants. Using a card that is delivered by a commercial provider also means less involvement from government employees. This helps people to engage in the mainstream financial market; encouraging improved financial capability and removing interference from government in people's lives.

2.273         While part of the rationale for the approach appears to be 'testing' the effectiveness of the blanket imposition of the Cashless Debit Card on a community, the further information from the minister does not directly address why it is not possible to restrict the imposition of the cashless debit card to instances where there has been an assessment of an individual's suitability and consent to participate in the scheme. As stated in the initial analysis, in assessing whether a limitation on human rights is proportionate, relevant factors to consider include whether the measure provides sufficient flexibility to treat different cases differently or whether it imposes a blanket policy without regard to the circumstances of individual cases. The committee has previously noted concerns of the impact of the card on individuals, including, for example, in situations where a person would only be able to use cash in order to purchase goods or services.[133]

2.274         Further, the minister's response states that the cashless debit card program 'is most effective when a majority of people in a community who receive a welfare payment participate'. However, no specific evidence or reasoning is provided in relation to this assertion. This raises specific concerns that the measure may not be the least rights restrictive method of achieving its legitimate objective as required in order to be a proportionate limit on human rights. In this respect, the human rights concerns in relation to income management identified in the committee's 2016 Review remain relevant. In particular, the committee recommended that 'income management should be imposed on a person only when that person has been individually assessed as not able to appropriately manage their income support payments'.[134] Accordingly, serious doubts remain as to whether the measures in the proposed legislation are the least rights restrictive way to achieve the stated objectives.

Committee response

2.275        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of the proposed legislation.

2.276        The preceding analysis indicates that concerns remain as to whether the trial is effective to achieve its stated objectives.

2.277        The analysis further indicates that, based on the information provided, the measures may not be a reasonable and proportionate limitation on human rights.

2.278        Accordingly, noting concerns raised by previous human rights assessments of the trial and related concerns regarding income management identified in the committee's 2016 Review of Stronger Future measures, the measures may not be compatible with the right to social security, the right to privacy and family and the right to equality and non-discrimination. If the bill is passed, the committee will consider the human rights implications of the legislative instruments once they are received.

Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017

Background

2.279         The committee first reported on the Social Services Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017 (the bill) in its Report 8 of 2017, and requested a response from the Minister for Social Services by 28 August 2017.[135]

2.280         The minister's response to the committee's inquiries was received on 29 August 2017. The response, which also includes input from the Minister for Employment, is discussed below and is reproduced in full at Appendix 3.

Nature of key rights engaged

2.281         The bill contains a number of schedules that impact on the administration, qualification and receipt of social security.

2.282         These measures engage the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. The human rights assessment of the bill below addresses individual measures that raise human rights concerns in relation to these rights.

2.283         The right to social security recognises the importance of adequate social benefits in reducing the effects of poverty and plays an important role in realising many other rights. The right to an adequate standard of living requires state parties to take steps to ensure the availability, adequacy and accessibility of food, clothing, water and housing.[136]

2.284         Under international human rights law, Australia has obligations to progressively realise the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living using the maximum of resources available. Australia has a corresponding duty to refrain from taking retrogressive measures, or backwards steps, in relation to the realisation of these rights.

2.285         A retrogressive measure is a type of limitation on an economic, social or cultural right and accordingly needs to be justified. A limitation on a right may be permissible provided that it addresses a legitimate objective, is effective to achieve (that is, rationally connected to) that objective and is a proportionate means to achieve that objective. A legitimate objective must address a pressing or substantial concern, and not simply seek an outcome regarded as desirable or convenient.

2.286         Certain schedules of the bill also engage the right to privacy and the right to equality and non-discrimination, which are set out below.

Schedules 1-7 – creation of a new jobseeker payment and cessation of other payment types

2.287         Schedules 1-7 of the bill seek to create a new jobseeker payment which will be the main working age social security payment and provide that a number of other social security payments will cease. The bill proposes to cease Newstart Allowance, Sickness Allowance, Wife Pension, Bereavement Allowance, Widow Allowance, Widow B Pension and Partner Allowance.[137]

Compatibility of the measures with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living

2.288         The statement of compatibility acknowledges that the measures engage the right to social security and refers to jurisprudence of the UN Committee on Economic Social and Cultural Rights (UNCESR) explaining that:

[the UNCESCR] stated that there is 'a strong presumption that retrogressive measures taken in relation to the right to social security are prohibited under the Covenant.' The [UNCESCR] places a burden on the State party that has introduced deliberately retrogressive measures to 'prove that they have been introduced after the most careful consideration of all alternatives and that they are duly justified...'[138]

2.289         The initial human rights analysis stated that, given the complexity of the measures, it is not clear whether they are retrogressive. For example, in relation to the creation of the Jobseeker Payment and the cessation of other payment types, the statement of compatibility states that over 99.9 percent of social security recipients will continue to be eligible for income support. These recipients will transition from the payment types that are ceasing to the Age Pension, the Jobseeker Payment or Carers Payment with a range of transitional arrangements provided as safeguards.[139] It appears that it is intended that most current social security recipients will be transitioned onto new payment types with the exception of some recipients residing overseas.[140] The explanatory memorandum explains that the creation of the Jobseeker Payment 'will have the same basic qualification, payability and rate as existing Newstart Allowance, however, the payment will be broader in scope than Newstart Allowance'.[141]

2.290         The initial analysis also stated that, given that the qualification requirements and the amount payable to social security recipients varies between types of payments, the question arises as to whether certain individuals may be worse off than under current arrangements. In other words, there is some potential that these measures could have retrogressive aspects. For example, following the death of a partner, subject to means and asset testing, the Bereavement Allowance currently pays up to $803.30 per fortnight for a period of 14 weeks. By contrast, current fortnightly payments for Newstart Allowance for a single person are $535.60. With the cessation of the Bereavement Allowance, the explanatory memorandum states that certain new and existing social security recipients will become entitled to an additional one off payment following the death of their partner instead of Bereavement Allowance. It is not stated whether the amount payable would be equivalent to the current amount payable under the Bereavement Allowance or whether qualification for it will be the same.

2.291         Accordingly, the committee sought the advice of the minister as to:

• whether the cessation of certain social security types could result in reductions in the amount payable or qualification for any new or existing social security recipients, or whether such payments will be equivalent to the types of payments that are ceasing;
• whether any new or existing social security recipients would be worse off under the transitional arrangements;
• what safeguards are provided in relation to the measures (for example, to ensure that individuals continue to receive social security); and
• if there are any reductions in the amount of social security payable (retrogressive measures), whether they pursue a legitimate objective; are rationally connected to their stated objective; and are a reasonable and proportionate measure for the achievement of that objective.

Minister's response

2.292         The minister provided a useful and detailed response to the committee's questions. In relation to whether the cessation of certain social security types could result in reductions in the amount payable or qualification for any new or existing social security recipients, the minister's response states:

The cessation of Newstart Allowance will not result in reductions in the amount payable to recipients or impact on qualification. All existing Newstart Allowance rules and rates will be rolled into the JobSeeker Payment.

The cessation of Widow B Pension will not result in reductions in the amount payable to recipients. The payment has been closed to new entrants since 20 March 1997 so ceasing the payment does not impact qualification. Existing recipients will transition to Age Pension which is paid at the same rate as Widow B Pension.

The cessation of Partner Allowance will not result in reductions in the amount payable to recipients. The payment was closed to new entrants on 20 September 2003 therefore ceasing the payment does not impact qualification. Existing recipients will transition to Age Pension. Partner Allowance is paid at the lower allowance rate and therefore recipients will receive a payment increase when they transition to Age Pension.

The cessation of Wife Pension may result in reductions to the amount payable to a small number of recipients. Wife Pension has been closed to new entrants since 1 July 1995 so ceasing the payment does not impact qualification. On the implementation date there will be around 7,750 recipients:

• Around 2,250 will transition to Age Pension and 2,400 will transition to Carer Payment. Age Pension and Carer Payment are paid at the same rate as Wife Pension so these recipients will not experience any reduction in assistance.
• Around 2,900 Wife Pension recipients will transition to JobSeeker Payment. JobSeeker Payment will be paid at the lower allowance rate. However, transitional arrangements described in the Explanatory Memorandum will ensure that these recipients do not experience a nominal reduction in their payment rates.
• Around 200 Wife Pension recipients residing overseas will no longer be eligible for a social security payment. These recipients are under Age Pension age and would not be eligible for either another payment under an international agreement or a portable payment. The implementation date of 20 March 2020 will allow these recipients to return to Australia where they can continue to receive social security payments, or adjust to their new circumstances by obtaining employment.

The cessation of Widow Allowance will not result in reductions to the amount payable existing to Widow Allowance recipients. Widow Allowance will close to new entrants on 1 January 2018. Existing Widow Allowance recipients will gradually transition to Age Pension by 1 January 2022 as they reach Age Pension age. Widow Allowance is paid at the lower allowance rate so recipients transitioning to Age Pension will experience an increase in their payment rates. In relation to new recipients:

• Widow Allowance is only open to women over 50 born before 1 July 1955 who are no longer partnered and have become widowed, divorced or separated since turning 40 years of age, and have no recent workforce experience. All those who could be eligible would have reached Age Pension age by 1 January 2022.
• Between 1 January 2018 and 1 January 2022, women who would otherwise have been eligible for Widow Allowance will be able to claim Newstart Allowance. As a result of the Newstart Allowance upper age limit (Age Pension age), recipients will have to claim Age Pension when they reach Age Pension age.

The cessation of Sickness Allowance may result in small reductions to the amount payable to some recipients. Sickness Allowance criteria will be rolled into JobSeeker Payment so there will be no impact on qualification for payment. Existing recipients will be gradually transitioned to JobSeeker Payment. Sickness Allowance is paid at the same rate that Jobseeker Payment will be paid, so recipients will not experience a reduction in their base rate. However, Sickness Allowance automatically entitles a person to the Pharmaceutical Allowance supplement ($6.20 per fortnight singles, $3.10 per fortnight partnered). In line with existing Newstart Allowance rules, JobSeeker Payment recipients will be assessed to determine their eligibility for Pharmaceutical Allowance. It is estimated that around 400 former Sickness Allowance recipients will be ineligible for Pharmaceutical Allowance when they transition to JobSeeker Payment as they will not meet the relevant criteria. That is, up to 5 per cent of recipients are expected to have capacity to work of 15 hours or more per week and will therefore not automatically qualify for Pharmaceutical Allowance. They will be referred to an employment service provider where they would enter a Job Plan and undertake suitable mutual obligation activities. This represents less than 5 per cent of the Sickness Allowance population on 20 March 2020.

The cessation of Bereavement Allowance will not result in reduction in the amount payable to existing recipients on 20 March 2020. In relation to new recipients:

• Up to 960 people annually who would have previously claimed Bereavement Allowance will now be able to claim JobSeeker Payment or another income support payment. It is expected that the majority will claim JobSeeker Payment.
• As per existing Newstart Allowance rules, JobSeeker Payment will have a more stringent means test than Bereavement Allowance. An estimated 30 bereaved people per year will not qualify for an income support payment due to their income, assets or other circumstances, such as age.
• JobSeeker Payment will be paid at the allowance rate compared to Bereavement Allowance which is paid at the pension rate. However, JobSeeker Payment will provide a triple upfront payment to newly bereaved people to assist with the high upfront costs associated with the death of a partner. While the overall assistance provided on JobSeeker Payment will be less than that currently available on Bereavement Allowance over a 14 week period, JobSeeker Payment will provide a substantially higher level of support in the first fortnight. Additionally, many recipients leave Bereavement Allowance before the end of the 14 week bereavement period, so JobSeeker Payment recipients would receive a higher level of overall assistance than some shorter-term Bereavement Allowance recipients due to the higher upfront payment on the JobSeeker Payment.
• If a person is eligible for another payment such as Parenting Payment Single which is paid at the pension rate, they will receive that payment with a 14 week exemption from mutual obligations, consistent with existing provisions in the Bereavement Allowance.

2.293         This information usefully indicates that in the majority of cases the cessation of certain categories of social security payments will not result in a reduction in the level of payments. This means that for most social security recipients the measures are not retrogressive (that is, a backward step in the level of attainment of social security).

2.294         The minister's response further clarifies that transitional arrangements will only apply to existing social security recipients. In relation to whether any existing social security recipients would be worse off under the transitional arrangements, the minister's response states '[a]s a result of the transitional arrangements, over 99.9 per cent of existing recipients will be the same or better off'. It appears from the information provided that, of those social security recipients that will be worse off, the impact may be relatively limited. 

2.295         In response to the committee's question as to what safeguards are provided in relation to the measures, the minister's response states that there are a range of safeguards to ensure that existing payment recipients will be transferred 'to the income support payment best suited to their circumstances'. In this respect, the minister's response outlines the following safeguards in respect of existing recipients:

• people over Age Pension age will be deemed to satisfy the residency requirements for Age Pension, regardless of actual qualifying residence;
• recipients of Widow B Pension and Wife Pension will retain their existing exemptions from Australian Working Life Residence requirements;
• people aged 55 years or older transferring to JobSeeker Payment would be exempt from compulsory mutual obligation requirements but would be able to opt in to employment services;
• recipients aged under 55 years with significant barriers to employment will be assisted by jobactive (Stream C) or Disability Employment Services to re-enter the workforce;
• JobSeeker Payment will include mutual obligation exemptions for newly bereaved recipients; and
• Wife Pension recipients who transfer to JobSeeker Payment will continue to receive the Pensioner Concession Card while in receipt of a transitional rate of Wife Pension.

2.296         The minister's response further outlines a range of additional safeguards to help 'to ensure future claimants are not precluded from accessing social security when they need it':

• JobSeeker Payment eligibility criteria will be broader than current Newstart Allowance criteria to provide access for persons who have temporarily stopped working or studying to recover from illness or injury;
• exemptions from the ordinary waiting period, the liquid assets test waiting period, the income maintenance period and the seasonal work preclusion period will apply to newly bereaved claimants of Job Seeker Payment and Youth Allowance;
• Job Seeker Payment and Youth Allowance will provide additional bereavement assistance for persons who have recently experienced the death of their partner; and
• women who claim Newstart Allowance from 1 January 2018 who would have otherwise qualified for Widow Allowance will be exempted from the activity test requirements.

Schedule 8 of the Social Security Legislation Amendment (Welfare Reform) Bill 2017 also provides for the Minister for Social Services to make rules of a transitional nature in relation to the JobSeeker Payment package of measures should they become necessary, for example, as a result of an anomalous or unexpected consequence.

2.297         These matters indicate that, in a range of circumstances, there appear to be adequate safeguards in place to assist to ensure that individuals are able to access social security to meet basic necessities.

2.298         The minister's response acknowledges that the cessation of the Wife Pension may amount to a retrogressive measure noting that there will be a reduction in social security payments for some recipients. The minister's response explains the scope of this limitation and why the minister considers that it is permissible:

The creation of JobSeeker Payment will result in approximately 2,900 Wife Pension recipients who transfer to JobSeeker Payment receiving no nominal increase in payment until the rate of the JobSeeker Payment equals or exceeds their frozen rate of Wife Pension. These recipients are all under Age Pension age and in similar circumstances as males or some single women of similar age who currently receive other activity-tested payments such as Newstart Allowance. The Government expects that those who have capacity to work, should be encouraged and supported to find work, and that this objective should apply consistently to people of working age who are in similar circumstances. Wife Pension is a dependency based payment that does not support these objectives. Removing Wife Pension and transitioning Wife Pension recipients under Age Pension age to the activity-tested JobSeeker Payment will support partnered women of working age to find employment, reduce their welfare dependence and improve their wellbeing. Pausing rate increases for these Wife Pension recipients is considered justified to achieve consistent treatment of people in similar circumstances in the longer term.

Around 200 Wife Pension recipients who are under Age Pension age and living overseas are expected to no longer be eligible for an Australian Government payment unless they return to reside in Australia. This loss of payment is consistent with the above-mentioned objectives and the residence-based nature of Australia's social security system. The Government expects that people have some reasonable connection to the Australian economy and society before being granted an Australian income support payment and this is reflected in residence requirements for payments including Age Pension, Disability Support Pension and Newstart Allowance.

Wife Pension was introduced in 1972 and is payable to the female partner of a male recipient of either Age Pension or Disability Support Pension. Wife Pension was granted without any other eligibility criteria or mutual obligations. The payment no longer reflects social and economic norms regarding women's workforce participation or government expectations in relation to income support.

While 200 overseas recipients under Age Pension age are expected to cease income support, their partners will continue to receive their Age Pension or Disability Support Pension. Additionally, a large proportion (over 75 per cent) of the 200 Wife Pension recipients overseas currently receive a part-rate of payment, suggesting they already have access to other income sources besides Australian income support. The implementation date of 20 March 2020 will allow these recipients to return to Australia where they can continue to receive social security payments, or adjust to their new circumstances by finding new or further employment.

2.299         In light of the information provided it appears that the measures are likely to be a proportionate limitation on the right to social security.

Committee response

2.300        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.301        The preceding analysis indicates that the measures are likely to be compatible with the right to social security.

Schedule 10 – Start date for Newstart and Youth Allowance payments

2.302         Under current RapidConnect requirements, persons claiming Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance, unless otherwise exempt, are required to attend an interview with an employment services provider before their income support is payable.[142] Payment is not made until claimants attend such an interview but it is currently backdated to the date on which the claim was made. In some cases, this may be the date of first contact with the Department of Human Services.

2.303         Persons claiming Newstart and Youth Allowance, unless exempt, are also currently required to serve a waiting period of 7 days before payment is made, usually beginning from the date of claim.[143]

2.304         Schedule 10 of the bill seeks to amend the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 (Social Security Administration Act) so that payments for individuals who are claiming Newstart Allowance or Youth Allowance, and are subject to RapidConnect, will be calculated from the day the individual attends their initial appointment with an employment services provider, instead of the earlier date the claim was made.[144]

Compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and right to an adequate standard of living

2.305         The initial analysis stated that the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living are engaged and limited by this measure.

2.306         The analysis noted that by proposing to only backdate Newstart and Youth Allowance payments to the date an applicant attends an initial interview with a job services provider, instead of the earlier date of claim, the measure appears to reduce the initial amount payable to the applicant. Accordingly, the measure may impact on an individual's ability to afford the necessities to maintain an adequate standard of living.

2.307         By deferring the start day for payments to some applicants under Newstart and Youth Allowance, the proposed measure would appear to constitute a backwards step in the realisation of these rights and, accordingly, as a matter of international human rights law this limitation needs to be justified.

2.308         While acknowledging that the measure engages the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living, the statement of compatibility sets out that any limitations on these rights are 'necessary and proportionate' to achieving 'the legitimate policy objective of encouraging greater workforce participation and self-support for job seekers who have no significant barriers to employment'.[145]

2.309         While it was noted that this may be considered a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law, limited information is provided in the statement of compatibility as to whether the measure is effective to achieve the stated objective and is a proportionate means of doing so.

2.310         At present, payment of Newstart and Youth Allowance, though backdated, is not made until the claimant (unless exempt) attends an interview with a job services provider. Therefore, it was noted that an incentive to connect with a job services provider would appear to already exist. The statement of compatibility does not explain why this existing measure is inadequate in encouraging Newstart and Youth Allowance claimants to connect promptly with their job services provider. Without such detail, it was not clear that the proposed measure is the least rights restrictive way of achieving the stated objective.

2.311         The statement of compatibility sets out some information which may be relevant to the proportionality of the measure. This includes that the measure would not apply to job seekers who are exempt from RapidConnect, including disadvantaged job seekers, and that the secretary may take account of individual circumstances when a claimant fails to attend an interview to determine the start day for payment. In particular, the statement of compatibility notes that if an appointment with a job services provider is not available within two business days, payment is backdated to the date on which the original requirement to attend an interview was made.[146]

2.312         However, it is unclear from the statement of compatibility what time period exists between the date a claim for payment is made and the date on which the requirement to attend an interview is imposed. Nor is it stated how the proposed measure interacts with the 7 day Ordinary Waiting Period for claimants, and whether back pay or the length of the waiting period is affected in this context. Accordingly, it is not clear how many days a claimant may have to wait from the original date of claim to the start day for payment or the maximum period of time a person may go without back pay. This information is necessary to determine the extent to which a job seeker's initial payment would be affected by this measure or the extent of the limitation on the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.

2.313         The committee therefore sought the advice of the minister as to:

• how the measure is effective to achieve (that is, rationally connected to) the objective; and
• how the limitation is a reasonable and proportionate measure to achieve the stated objective (including why existing measures are insufficient to achieve the stated objective of the measure, the existence of relevant safeguards and the period of time a person may be required to go without payment or back pay).

Minister's response

2.314         In relation to how the measure is effective to achieve the stated objective 'of encouraging greater workforce participation and self-support for job seekers who have no significant barriers to employment', the minister's response states that:

By being connected more quickly to employment services, job seekers are more readily able to access assistance to build their skills and experiences and help them find a job faster.

2.315         The minister's response provides some information that indicates that existing measures may be ineffective to achieve the stated objective. For example, the response states that, at present, over one third of job seekers wait longer than two days to connect with a job services provider.

2.316         Some further information is also provided that is relevant to the proportionality of the measure. In particular, the minister's response explains that booking an initial interview with the Department of Human Services, at which the claimant is then referred to an appointment with a job services provider, forms part of the process for the claimant when submitting an online claim for Newstart or Youth Allowance. The response states that an appointment with the department is 'usually' available within two days from the date of the initial claim and that the department 'monitors the availability of appointments so the interview can be conducted in a timely manner'.

2.317         These processes for booking a timely initial interview with the department may be capable of addressing potential concerns about the period of time a person may be without payment in most cases. It is also relevant to the proportionality of the measure that the period of time a person may be going without payment will, under usual circumstances, be fairly short. However, it is noted that in some cases, it appears claimants may wait longer than two days before an appointment with the Department of Human Services is available. As how long a claimant may have to wait from the initial date of claim to the start day for payment remains imprecise, this could potentially give rise to concerns in some circumstances.

2.318         As noted in the initial analysis, the statement of compatibility outlines a relevant safeguard in that, if an appointment with a job services provider is not available within two business days, the payment is backdated to the date on which the original requirement to attend an interview was made. However, no information is provided in the minister's response as to legislative safeguards that exist in situations where an appointment with the Department of Human Services — at which the requirement to attend an appointment with a job services provider is imposed — is not available within two days of the date of claim. Accordingly, the effectiveness of the department's processes in regard to ensuring timely appointments for claimants appear to be an important factor to ensure that the limitation is proportionate.

2.319         In relation to how the measure interacts with the 7 day Ordinary Waiting Period for claimants, the minister's response states:

The intent of Schedule 10 is that the Ordinary Waiting Period will apply in the same way to job seekers who are subject to RapidConnect and to job seekers who are not subject to RapidConnect. For those job seekers subject to Schedule 10, but who are also required to serve an Ordinary Waiting Period, it would be served concurrently with time taken to connect with employment services. This ensures that job seekers who are subject to RapidConnect and an Ordinary Waiting Period will not have to wait longer to receive their payment than job seekers who are not subject to RapidConnect.

2.320         This information clarifies that the Ordinary Waiting Period for claimants subject to RapidConnect will not commence (and expire) at a later date than for claimants not subject to this measure. It is noted that this was not clear in the bill as originally proposed but has now been reflected in proposed amendments to Schedule 10.[147] The fact that these periods of non-payment are to be served concurrently also assists the proportionality of the measure. Accordingly, the measure appears to be a proportionate limitation on the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. 

Committee response

2.321        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.322        In light of the information provided, the committee notes that the measure is likely to be compatible with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. However, the committee notes that this will be subject to how the department's processes for appointments work in practice in order to ensure that the limitation is proportionate.

Schedule 12 – Mandatory drug-testing trial

2.323         Schedule 12 establishes a two year trial of mandatory drug-testing in three regions, involving 5,000 new recipients of Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance. New recipients will be required to acknowledge in the claim for Newstart Allowance and Youth Allowance that they may be required to undergo a drug test as a condition of payment, and will then be randomly subjected to drug testing.

2.324         A 'drug test' is defined in proposed section 23(1) as follows:

drug test , in relation to a person, means a test that:

(a) is carried out:

(i) directly or indirectly under a contract with the Commonwealth for the carrying out of the test; and

(ii) in accordance with applicable provisions (if any) of the drug test rules; and

 (b) is for the presence of a testable drug in a sample taken in the drug test trial period from the person’s saliva, urine or hair

2.325         A 'testable drug' means:

1. methamphetamine; or
2. methylenedioxy-methamphetamine; or
3. tetrahydrocannabinol; or
4. opioids; or
5. another substance prescribed by the drug test rules for the purposes of this definition.

2.326         Recipients who test positive will then be subject to income management (including the use of a cashless welfare card) for 24 months and be subject to further random tests. If a recipient tests positive to a subsequent test, they will be required to repay the cost of these tests through reduction in their fortnightly social security payment. This may be varied due to hardship. Recipients who test positive to more than one test during the 24 month period will be referred to a contracted medical professional for assessment.[148] If the medical professional recommends treatment, the recipient will be required to complete certain treatment activities, such as counselling, rehabilitation and/or ongoing drug testing, as part of their employment pathway plan.[149] 

2.327         Recipients who do not comply with their employment pathway plan, including drug treatment activities, would be subject to a participation payment compliance framework, which may involve the withholding of payments. Recipients would not be exempted from this framework if the reason for their non-compliance is wholly or substantially attributable to drug or alcohol use.[150]

2.328         Recipients who refuse to take the test will have their payment cancelled on the day they refuse, unless they have a reasonable excuse. If they reapply, payment will not be payable for 4 weeks from the date of cancellation and they will still be required to undergo random mandatory drug-testing.[151]

Compatibility of the measure with the right to privacy

2.329         The right to privacy includes the right to protection against arbitrary or unlawful interference with a person's privacy, family, home or correspondence. As acknowledged in the statement of compatibility,^[152] the right to privacy extends to protecting a person's bodily integrity against compulsory procedures such as drug testing. As outlined in the initial human rights analysis, drug testing is an invasive procedure and may violate a person's legitimate expectation of privacy. Further, the measure requires the divulging of private medical information to a firm contracted to conduct the drug testing. A person may need to provide evidence of their prescriptions and/or medical history to the company to avoid false positives that, for example, detect prescribed opioids. Finally, the use of a card in purchasing essential goods after a person's benefit is quarantined will disclose that a person receives quarantined social security payments. On these bases, the measure engages and limits the right to privacy.

2.330         A limitation on the right to privacy may be permissible where it is pursuant to a legitimate objective, is rationally connected to (that is, effective to achieve) that objective, and is proportionate to achieve that objective. In assessing whether a measure is proportionate, some of the relevant factors to consider include whether the measure provides sufficient flexibility to treat different cases differently or whether it imposes a blanket policy without regard to the merits of an individual case, whether affected groups are particularly vulnerable, and whether there are other less restrictive ways to achieve the same aim.

2.331         The statement of compatibility states that the objective of the drug testing trial is twofold:

• [to] maintain the integrity of, and public confidence in, the social security system by ensuring that tax-payer funded welfare payments are not being used to purchase drugs or support substance abuse; [and]
• [to] provide new pathways for identifying recipients with drug abuse issues and facilitating their referral to appropriate treatment where required.[153]

2.332         In support of the need for the measure, the statement of compatibility referred to statistics indicating that a greater number of people are using drug and alcohol use as an exemption to mutual obligation requirements.[154] The statement of compatibility argues that the drug testing measure will help direct people into treatment before the drug use becomes too severe and a barrier to employment.[155]

2.333         The initial analysis noted that the statement of compatibility asserts that there is, but does not provide evidence of, a pressing social need to address the use of welfare payments to purchase drugs or support substance abuse. However, on the basis of the information and arguments presented, the measure can be understood as pursuing the objectives of the early treatment of harmful drug use to prevent drug dependency, and addressing barriers to employment created by drug dependency. The previous analysis stated that these are likely to constitute legitimate objectives under international human rights law. There are, however, serious concerns as to whether the measure is effective to achieve, and proportionate to, these legitimate objectives.

2.334         The initial analysis identified that, first, the measure appears to be overly broad. The randomised drug test is not reliant on any reasonable suspicion that a person has a drug abuse problem. Any selected person is then made to disclose medical information to the private firm contracted to conduct the testing, and subjected to an invasive medical procedure. If they test positive once, even if it was the first time they had used an illicit drug or it was a false positive, their payments are quarantined for two years, during which period they must use a cashless welfare card.[156] This card will immediately disclose that a person is receiving a welfare payment whenever they use it. Yet, the single use of the drug is unlikely to constitute a barrier to employment, nor necessarily lead to dependence.[157]

2.335         Second, it is unclear whether there will be adequate privacy safeguards as to the medical and drug-related information disclosed to a private provider of drug tests. The statement of compatibility states:

This trial will be subject to the existing safeguards in the Privacy Act 1988 and the confidentiality provisions in the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999 which protect the collection, use and disclosure of protected information. A joint Privacy Impact Assessment by the Department of Human Services and the Department of Social Services is being conducted for this measure and will be submitted to the Office of the Australian Information Commissioner to ensure implementation of the measure minimises privacy law risks.[158]

2.336         The existing safeguards in the Privacy Act 1988 and the Social Security Administration Act may not be sufficient in this context to establish the proportionality of the limitation. For example, it appears that they can allow the Department of Human Services to disclose the fact of a person's positive drug test to law enforcement, state welfare agencies or the Department of Immigration and Border Protection. The risk of prosecution, visa cancellation or loss of child custody may prevent people from attempting to access Newstart or Youth Allowance payments, causing destitution. Further, it appears that they may not prevent the Department of Human Services or a private contractor from disclosing information regarding a particular welfare recipient to the public to correct that person's criticism of the trial.[159]

2.337         A question also arises as to how long drug test samples will be retained. As noted in the initial analysis, the taking and retention of bodily samples for testing purposes can contain significant personal information. International jurisprudence has noted that genetic information contains 'much sensitive information about an individual' and given the nature and amount of personal information contained in cellular samples 'their retention per se must be regarded as interfering with the right to respect for the private lives of the individuals concerned'.[160]

2.338         Rules that can be made by the minister pursuant to proposed section 38FA[161] of the Social Security Administration Act as well as the preparation of a Privacy Impact Assessment, may result in further safeguards which would address concerns regarding retention and disclosure of drug test samples. However, no detail has been provided as to the intended content of the rules. 

2.339         The previous analysis also identified that the trial may limit the privacy rights of a large group of people in order to identify a very small number of people who had used illicit drugs or have a drug abuse problem. For example, in relation to drug testing in the United States jurisdiction of Florida, only 2.6% of welfare recipients tested were found to have used drugs, most commonly marijuana. This trial may target areas with a higher percentage of drug users which may identify a higher number of people.[162]

2.340         Fourth, there appear to be a variety of less rights restrictive methods to achieve the objective of providing new pathways for referral to treatment of those who have or are likely to develop substance abuse issues, such as increasing the availability and promotion of treatment options for those with drug and alcohol dependency. This was not addressed in the statement of compatibility.

2.341         The committee therefore sought further advice from the minister as to how the measure is effective to achieve and  proportionate to its objectives, including:

• whether overseas experience indicates that this trial will be effective to achieve its objectives;
• whether there will be a process to apply to remove income quarantining measures if no longer necessary or if special circumstances exist;
• whether there will be additional safeguards in place in relation to the disclosure of drug test results, particularly to law enforcement, immigration authorities, other agencies and the public and the nature of those safeguards; and
• the availability of less rights restrictive measures to achieve the objectives of the trial.

Minister's response

2.342         In relation to whether overseas examples indicate that the proposed trial will be effective to achieve its objectives, the minister's response acknowledges that international evidence on the effectiveness of drug testing of welfare recipients is limited, as many overseas experiences have not been evaluated comprehensively or because the results are not comparable to the measures introduced by the bill. The minister further states that, to the best of the government's knowledge, the model of combining drug testing with other interventions such as income management has not been implemented in any other country. The minister points to the benefits of mandatory treatment through evaluations of Australian drug courts, and the trials of the Cashless Debit Card, as evidence of the effectiveness of income quarantining.

2.343         However, previous substantive evaluations of compulsory income management regimes in Australia have demonstrated that income management may be effective when it is applied to participants after considering their individual circumstances and consensually, rather than where it is applied coercively and compulsorily.[163] It is therefore not evident that the measure, which is not targeted to appropriate individual cases or consensual, is effective to achieve its objectives.

2.344         As to whether there will be a process to apply to remove income quarantining measures if no longer necessary or if special circumstances exist, the minister's response notes that, following concerns raised by the Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills,[164] amendments have been introduced  whereby the Secretary must determine that a person is not subject to the income management regime if the Secretary is satisfied that being subject to the regime poses a serious risk to the person's mental, physical or emotional wellbeing.  The minister explains that this is designed to balance the objectives of Income Management as part of the drug testing trial and the needs of individuals whose wellbeing is at serious risk.  Further, the minister explains that drug test providers may withdraw or revoke a referral to Income Management if they become aware of circumstances that lead them to believe that the positive result which triggered the referral is not valid; for example, the job seeker provided evidence of legal medications which could have caused this result.  The minister also explains that the decision that a person be subject to income management is able to be appealed in accordance with existing review and appeal provisions in the Social Security Administration Act.

2.345         The amendments introduced following the initial human rights analysis that provide that the Secretary must (as opposed to may) determine a person not be subject to income management if the regime would pose a risk to the person's health and well-being alleviates some of the concerns raised in the initial human rights analysis as to the proportionality of the measure. So too does the explanation of the affected person's appeal rights, and the clarification that the drug test provider may withdraw or revoke a referral to income management in certain circumstances. However, there remains only limited circumstances in which a person may be removed from the income management regime within the 24 month period, even where that person may have only tested positive once during that period or it was the first time they had used an illicit drug.  Nor is any information provided as to how the Secretary determines whether they are satisfied that a person being subject to the regime would pose a 'serious risk' to the person's mental, physical or emotional wellbeing. For example, no information is provided as to what constitutes a 'serious' risk or whether any safeguards exist (such as the requirement that the Secretary's satisfaction must be 'reasonable'). It is not clear, based on the information provided, that the limited circumstances in which the Secretary may determine a person not be subject to income management provide a sufficient safeguard against arbitrary application. In this respect, the committee has previously raised concerns where compulsory income management provisions operate inflexibly, as it raises the risk that the regime will be applied to people who do not need assistance managing their budget.[165]

2.346         In response to whether there will be additional safeguards in place in relation to the disclosure of drug test results, the minister's response identifies that existing privacy and confidentiality laws, including in the Privacy Act 1988 and the Social Security Administration Act, provide that protected information about a person can only be disclosed in limited circumstances. The minister further refers to the exposure draft  to the Social Security (Drug Test) Rules 2017 (the rules), tabled at the Senate Standing Committee on Community Affairs' inquiry into the bill on 30 August 2017,[166] and explains that these rules, if enacted, will provide additional safeguards to ensure the operation of the drug testing and the conduct of the drug testing provider is consistent with the requirements under the Privacy Act 1988 and the confidentiality provisions in the Social Security Administration Act. 

2.347         As to the disclosure of test results, the minister's response states:

Disclosure of test results will only occur in accordance with the existing privacy laws and the Drug Test Rules. Test results will not be shared with police, immigration or other authorities, specifically as part of this trial.

Under the existing confidentiality provisions in the Social Security (Administration) Act personal information can be disclosed to the police or state authorities in very limited circumstances where it has been certified as being in the public interest. This includes in relation to certain offences, to prevent or lessen a threat to the life, health or welfare of a person, or for child protection purposes. For example, where a recipient threatens the health, safety and welfare of their child, the Secretary can release relevant information to the appropriate authorities in order for these concerns to be investigated and addressed as necessary. These processes will remain in place. Information collected as part of the drug test testing would only be disclosed where relevant and necessary under these processes. This information will not be shared routinely as part of the trial itself.

2.348         The exposure draft of the rules sets out detailed procedures for the conduct of the drug tests, the handling of samples, the keeping of records of samples and the information that must be provided to the Secretary. This includes a requirement that samples be destroyed in specified timeframes, namely 13 weeks from the day a positive result was notified to the Secretary or the end of the trial (whichever is the earlier), or otherwise no later than 28 days after the day the result of the drug test was notified to the secretary.[167] There are also provisions requiring samples or records to be kept in secure locations unless destroyed in accordance with the rules.[168] The rules also provide that drug tests must be conducted in a respectful manner and 'in circumstances affording reasonable privacy to the drug test trial pool member directed to undergo the test'.[169] These rules address the concerns set out in the previous human rights analysis regarding safeguards for retention of drug tests samples. However, it should be noted that these rules were contained in an exposure draft and the minister has expressly indicated that these rules may be subject to change following consultation with the health, alcohol and other drug sectors.  In the event the bill is passed, the committee will consider the human rights compatibility of the rules once they have been received.

2.349         The minister's response further clarified that test results will not be shared with police, immigration or other authorities as part of the trial save for limited circumstances set out in the Social Security Administration Act and the Privacy Act 1988, namely, where the Secretary certifies that it is necessary in the public interest to do so. The Social Security (Public Interest Certificate) Guidelines (DSS) Determination 2015 sets out detailed guidelines for the exercise of the Secretary's disclosure powers in this respect. This includes, as summarised by the minister, disclosure where it is necessary to prevent, or lessen, a threat to the life, health or welfare of a person, or the enforcement of certain laws. It also includes disclosure for other purposes, including where disclosure is necessary for research into (including evaluation or monitoring of, or reporting on) matters of relevance to a department that is administering any part of the family assistance law or the social security law.[170] This alleviates some of the concerns as to the adequacy of existing safeguards presenting disclosure. However, some uncertainties remain, including whether, for example, a person repeatedly testing positive for drugs would constitute a basis on which the Secretary could certify disclosure on the basis it was necessary to prevent, or lessen, a threat to the life, health or welfare of a person. On balance, it appears that the limited circumstances in which disclosure could occur may be compatible with this aspect of the right to informational privacy, noting that the minister has emphasised that test results will not be shared with police, immigration or other authorities as part of the trial.

2.350         However, concerns remain over the other aspects of the measure that raise issues in relation to the right to privacy, namely the invasive nature of drug testing which may violate a person's right to bodily integrity, and the concerns in relation to informational privacy where individuals subject to income management pursuant to Schedule 12 would have that status immediately disclosed to persons by reason of using the cashless welfare card.

2.351         The minister's response sets out the basis on which the minister considers the measures to be a reasonable and proportionate limitation on the right to privacy as follows:

There are some existing mechanisms in place which enable job seekers to self-disclose to the Department of Human Services (DHS) or their employment services provider that they have substance abuse or dependency issues. For example, job seekers may disclose drug and alcohol abuse or dependency as part of the Job Seeker Classification Instrument (a tool used to determine a person's relative disadvantage in the labour market in order to stream them to the appropriate employment services) and have this recorded as a vulnerability indicator on their record. Job seekers may also provide medical evidence of drug or alcohol dependency for the purposes of claiming an exemption from mutual obligation requirements or as part of an assessment of their capacity to work.

Data from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Drug Use Survey reveals that 24.5 per cent of unemployed people reported recent drug use. However, administrative data from the DHS system shows that less than two per cent of job seekers in most locations self-disclose their drug or alcohol dependency issues through these existing mechanisms.

This indicates that while some job seekers do already disclose their drug abuse or dependency issues and receive support from DHS and/or their employment services provider to address these issues, many do not.

This measure is designed to trial a new approach to identifying job seekers with drug use issues and assisting them through Income Management and referral to appropriate treatment to address their barriers to employment and find work. As noted above, there will be a comprehensive evaluation of all aspects of the trial.

To the extent that the measure at Schedule 12 engages or limits the right to privacy, including by seeking to collect new forms of protected information through drug testing, this is reasonable and proportionate to the objective of better identifying job seekers who have drug abuse issues that may be a barrier to work but have not necessarily self-disclosed these issues in order to support them to address those barriers.

2.352         The minister's response in this respect appears to suggest that a statistic relating to the level of drug use among unemployed people (24.5%) demonstrates that the figure of 2.4% of persons who self-disclose drug or alcohol dependency is low. However, as the figure of 24.5 percent cited only relates to drug use, rather than drug dependency, the basis for the minister's conclusion as to the low rate of self‑reporting of drug dependency is not clear. The minister's response otherwise does not explain how existing mechanisms are not sufficient, and does not expressly address whether the measure is the least rights restrictive measure available. As noted in the previous analysis, it is unclear, for example, why encouraging treatment and investing in additional treatment and referral services is insufficient to encourage recipients to self-report drug dependency and seek treatment. It is also unclear why a positive test should automatically result in the application of income management without an individual assessment of whether the person has a drug dependency problem and whether income management is necessary or appropriate in the person’s circumstances. Noting that limitations on the right to privacy must be no more extensive than what is strictly necessary to achieve the legitimate objective of the measure, the preceding analysis tends to indicate that the measure is unlikely to be a proportionate limitation on human rights.

Committee response

2.353        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.354        The preceding analysis indicates that the measure engages and limits the right to privacy including the right to informational privacy and the right to bodily integrity.

2.355        With respect to aspects of the right to informational privacy, the bill appears to provide adequate safeguards with respect to the retention and disclosure of drug test results, noting that the committee will consider the human rights compatibility of the proposed Social Security (Drug Test) Rules 2017 in the event the bill is passed. 

2.356        However, overall with respect to the use of personal information and the issues of bodily integrity, noting that limitations on this right must be no more extensive than what is strictly necessary to achieve the legitimate objective of the measure, the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to privacy. While the measure is aimed at a legitimate objective, there appear to be other, less rights restrictive ways to achieve this objective.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living

2.357         The previous analysis assessed that the measure engages the right to social security and an adequate standard of living in three ways. First, the measure may result in a reduction in payments to cover the costs of positive drug tests, or to penalise a person for failing to fulfil their mutual obligation requirements. Second, the risk of the result of the test being disclosed to law enforcement, immigration or other welfare authorities may cause people to avoid applying for necessary welfare payments, causing destitution. Third, the measure may impermissibly discriminate against those with substance addictions which rise to the level of disability, as further discussed below under the right to equality and non-discrimination.

2.358         A limitation on the right to social security and an adequate standard of living may be permissible where it is pursuant to a legitimate objective, effective to achieve that objective, and proportionate to that objective. As discussed above, the objectives of early treatment of harmful drug use to prevent drug dependency and addressing barriers to employment created by drug dependency are likely to be legitimate objectives for the purposes of human rights law. However, the initial analysis noted that there are serious concerns regarding whether the measure is effective to achieve and proportionate to those objectives.

2.359         The statement of compatibility states:

Income management does not reduce the total amount of income support available to a person, just the way in which they receive it... Job seekers placed on Income Management under this trial will still be able to purchase items at approved merchants and pay rent and bills with their quarantined funds... Evidence collected on Income Management in Western Australia indicates that the program is improving the lives of many Australians. It has given many participants a greater sense of control of money, improved housing stability and purchase restraint for socially harmful products while reducing a range of negative behaviours in their communities including drinking and violence.[171]

2.360         While income management does not reduce the amount of income support available, the committee has previously examined income management measures and considered that those measures raise concerns, particularly where income management was not voluntary or is inflexibly applied. [172] This point is further examined in light of the minister's response at [2.372] below.

2.361         Further, as noted in the previous analysis, it appears that once a drug test is positive, the contractor may issue a notice to the Secretary that the person should be subject to income management, even where the person requests a second drug test. The mechanics of requesting a second drug test or providing evidence of legal medication were unclear. It appears possible that a person may be subject to income management for a period even where the result is challenged and a retest scheduled.

2.362         The measure will require those who test positive to repay the cost of the drug test over time, via deductions from their payments. Given the basic rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance,[173] there is a significant risk that repaying the cost of tests, even capped at a 10% reduction in the payment, will compromise a person's ability to afford necessities to live and successfully look for work. The explanatory memorandum refers to the existence of safeguards against hardship, specifically the power of the Secretary to vary the rate of repayment where the person's circumstances are 'exceptional', and the person would suffer 'severe financial hardship'.[174] The existence of a safeguard is welcomed, however, the previous analysis stated that the proposed test sets a very high threshold for the exercise of this power. On its face, it appears the test may be difficult to meet even when experiencing hardship. For example, it is questionable whether it would be satisfied where many people are experiencing similar circumstances of severe hardship, and therefore their individual circumstances are not considered to be 'exceptional'.

2.363         The initial analysis noted that the reduction in payments to penalise a person for failing to undertake treatment activities as part of their employment pathway plan may also severely compromise a person's ability to afford basic necessities. The statement of compatibility reasons that Australia's welfare system is founded on principles of mutual obligation, and that 'it is reasonable to expect the job seeker to pursue treatment as part of their Job Plan and be subject to proportionate consequences if they fail to do so'.[175] However, there are questions regarding whether withholding subsistence payments for failure to attend treatment takes into account evidence that addiction often involves cycles of relapse before recovery.[176] In this respect, the statement of compatibility argues that there are provisions in place to address individual vulnerabilities:

...the vulnerability of people and the impact of their circumstances on their ability to comply with their mutual obligation requirements is considered under social security law through reasonable excuse and exemption provisions, and delegates have significant discretionary powers regarding the application of compliance actions to consider the circumstances of each individual case.[177]

2.364         However, other measures in the bill, as discussed below, seek to ensure that drug addiction is not considered as a reasonable excuse or exemption. Given the basic rate of Youth Allowance and Newstart; the requirements to use up most of one's savings before becoming eligible for Newstart; and these reasonable excuse and exemption measures, the initial human rights assessment noted that it was unclear how a delegate's discretion will be able to be used to prevent those addicted to drugs from being unable to afford basic needs.

2.365         As stated above, should the regulations not adequately circumscribe the disclosure of drug test results, including by private contractors, this measure may also result in people in need of social security avoiding accessing payments due to the fear of consequences such as prosecution, deportation or loss of child custody. The risk that the measure may prevent people from attempting to access Newstart or Youth Allowance payments, despite need, also affects the proportionality of the measure.

2.366         Finally, as discussed above in relation to the right to privacy, the statement of compatibility does not address the availability of less rights restrictive measures to achieve the objectives of the measure. This is particularly important in the context of the right to social security given the strong presumption that retrogressive measures are prohibited under the International Covenant on Economic, Social and Cultural Rights (ICESCR) and that the state has the burden of proving that they were introduced after the most careful consideration of all alternatives.[178] It is relevant in this respect that it is not evident from the statement of compatibility what proportion of social security recipients have a drug dependency problem, as distinct from reported drug use as set out at paragraph [2.351] above.

2.367         The committee therefore sought further advice from the minister as to the effectiveness and proportionality of the measure including:

• whether recipients will be informed that they may request a retest or provide evidence of legal medications, and how these processes will occur;
• whether there is a mechanism to challenge or review the imposition of income management;
• whether a person can successfully have their rate of repayment reduced where they would experience severe hardship, but their circumstances are similar to others;
• further detail as to how the discretion of delegates will operate to consider the vulnerability of those with drug dependencies and ensure that their payments are not reduced such that they are unable to afford basic needs;
• whether there will be limits placed on the disclosure of drug test results to law enforcement, immigration authorities or other agencies; and
• whether there are less rights restrictive methods to achieve the objectives of the measure.

Minister's response

2.368         The minister's response provides information about the process of drug testing, including the existence of safeguards. The minister explains that job seekers selected for the initial drug test will be notified at an initial appointment that they can provide evidence of any legal medications or other substances that they are taking which may affect the test result, that they may request a re-test if they dispute the result of the test, and their review and appeal rights in relation to any decision made under social security law following a positive test result. Job seekers will also have a short pre-test interview with the drug testing provider to help identify any legal medications a job seeker may be taking which could interfere with the accuracy of the test result, at which time job seekers may provide evidence of any legal medication or substances they are taking.  The minister's detailed response as to how recipients will be informed of their right to request a re-test, to advise of any legal medications that may affect the result, and of their review rights, addresses the concerns expressed in the previous analysis as to this aspect of the operation of the scheme.

2.369         As to the process of undertaking a re-test, the minister's response explains that it is intended that the sample taken by the drug testing provider will be split into two samples, and that if a job seeker requests a re-test, this will be done using the second sample. The minister clarifies that job seekers will not have to pay the cost of the re-test if the result is negative, but will have to repay the cost of the re-test if the result is again positive. The minister explains the rationale for requiring repayment as 'designed to discourage job seekers from requesting frivolous re-testing where they know they have used illicit drugs'. The minister further explains:

This measure will only reduce a job seeker's income support payment through the repayment of the cost of a positive drug test, other than the initial test, or re-test. Recipients will not have to repay the cost of their first positive test or the cost of any negative test result. This means that recipients who test positive to their first test but then abstain from further drug use and do not record any further positive results will experience no reductions in payment.

The amount that will be repaid for the cost of a positive drug test will be an amount set to represent the lowest cost of a test available to the Government, and not the cost of the test they were given. The exact costs of each of the drug tests to be used under the trial - saliva, urine and hair -will depend on the drug testing provider contracted to deliver the tests. The Government will approach the market to engage a suitable drug testing provider or providers which represent best value for money to deliver the required range of drug testing methods. Consideration will be given to ensuring the drug testing methods used in the trial are
cost-effective.

If the job seeker is required to pay for the cost of a drug test, the cost will be repaid through deductions from the job seeker's fortnightly payment. To protect the job seeker from potential hardship, deductions to pay for the cost of a test would be set at a small percentage of the job seeker's fortnightly payment which will be determined by the Department of Social Services Secretary, capped at no more than 10 per cent. This is significantly lower than the standard rate for recovery of social security debts, which is 15 per cent.

Job seekers will also be able to have their repayment percentage reduced if required to ensure they are not placed in hardship. This is consistent with existing arrangements for repayment of debts through payment withholdings, and the process for application of this reduction will also be the same as existing arrangements...

2.370         As explained in the previous analysis, for those who will face reductions in their job seeker's income support payment (namely, those who have requested a re‑test and tested positive, or those who test positive to any test other than the initial test), in light of the basic rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance, there is a significant risk that repaying the cost of the tests, even capped at a 10% reduction in the payment, will compromise a person's ability to afford necessities to live and successfully look for work. Given the basic rate of Newstart and Youth Allowance, this concern remains notwithstanding the recovery rate is lower than that of other social security debts (which is 15 per cent). 

2.371         Moreover, while the minister has clarified that job seekers will be able to have their repayment percentage reduced to ensure they are not placed in hardship, as explained in the previous analysis, on its face this safeguard may be difficult to meet as it only applies where the person's circumstances are 'exceptional'.

2.372         Further, while the minister's response emphasises that income management does not reduce the amount of payment a recipient receives but rather changes the way they receive that payment, as set out in the previous analysis the committee has previously examined income management measures and considered them to raise concerns as a matter of international human rights law. The committee has previously found that whilst compulsory income management did reduce spending of income managed funds on proscribed items (such as alcohol), it could increase welfare dependence, and interfere with a person's private and family life'.[179] Similarly, as explained in the previous analysis, the imposition of income management for two years appears to be disproportionate to the objectives pursued, particularly where inflexibly imposed on a person who may have used an illicit drug, but does not have ongoing drug abuse issues.

2.373         As to disclosure of drug test results to law enforcement, immigration authorities or other agencies, the minister's response states:

As noted above, disclosure of test results will only occur in accordance with existing privacy laws, including in the Privacy Act and the Social Security (Administration) Act. There will be further safeguards set out in the Drug Test Rules under section 38FA in Schedule 12.

2.374         As discussed above in relation to the right to privacy, on balance it appears these safeguards on disclosure may be adequate, noting however that this is subject to the final content of the Drug Test Rules, which will be considered by the committee once they have been made.

2.375         In relation to whether there are less rights restrictive means to achieve the objective of the measure, the minister's response states:

As outlined above, the measure at Schedule 12 is designed to trial a new approach to identifying job seekers with drug abuse issues and assisting them to address their barriers to employment, including support through Income Management to manage their payments to meet their priority needs.

This trial will not remove access to social security payments. Income Management does not change the amount received, just the way it is received. Income Management is designed to better ensure that the priority needs of vulnerable individuals (such as those with proven drug use issues) are met, ensuring these individuals are better placed to maintain an adequate standard of living.

As noted above, job seekers will not be required to repay the costs of their first positive test; they will only be required to repay any second or subsequent positive test. The use of repayment of these positive tests is designed to test this as a means of deterring further drug abuse. There are safeguards in place to ensure that the job seeker is only required to repay an amount equivalent to the lowest cost option of any test used under the trial and that the repayment percentage can be reduced (including to nil) in cases of financial hardship.

2.376         For the reasons stated above and in light of the committee's earlier findings about income management,[180] concerns remain as to the use of income management as a mechanism to maintain an adequate standard of living, notwithstanding that income management changes the way in which payment is received and can be used rather than the amount. Neither the statement of compatibility nor the minister’s response demonstrates why less rights-restrictive alternatives are unavailable. Given the strong presumption that retrogressive measures are prohibited under the ICESCR and that the state has the burden of proving that measures were introduced after the most careful consideration of all alternatives, from the information provided it appears the measure is unlikely to be proportionate to the legitimate objective of the measure.

Committee response

2.377        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.378        The preceding analysis indicates that the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to social security as it appears the measure is unlikely to be proportionate to the legitimate objective of the measure.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to equality and non-discrimination

2.379         The right to equality and non-discrimination is protected by articles 2, 16 and 26 of the International Covenant on Civil and Political Rights (ICCPR) and article 2 of the ICESCR. It is further protected with respect to persons with disabilities by Article 2 of the Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (CRPD). The right applies to the distribution of welfare benefits or social security.[181]

2.380         Article 26 of the ICCPR provides that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law without any discrimination. It effectively prohibits the law from discriminating on any ground such as race, sex, religion, political opinion, national origin, or 'other status'. 

2.381         Where the person's drug use rises to that of dependence or addiction, the person has a disability, which is not only considered an 'other status'[182] but is also protected from discrimination by the CRPD.[183] As acknowledged in the statement of compatibility, there may also be a disproportionate impact against Indigenous people, due to higher levels of drug and alcohol use.[184] Further, the drug-testing will not be entirely random, but based on the development of a risk profile, which identifies risk factors to drug misuse.

2.382         As noted in the initial analysis, the possible interference of prescription medications may also disadvantage those with communication difficulties who fail to disclose their prescriptions and therefore are tested as positive for illicit drugs.

2.383         To the extent that this measure affects those with drug and alcohol dependencies and Indigenous people, the initial analysis stated that it engages the right to non-discrimination. Under international human rights law, differential treatment^[185] will not constitute unlawful discrimination if the differential treatment is based on reasonable and objective criteria such that it serves a legitimate objective, is effective to achieve that legitimate objective and is a proportionate means of achieving that objective.

2.384         The statement of compatibility argues that the objective of the measure is to ensure that tax-payer funded welfare payments are not being used to support substance abuse and provide new pathways for identifying recipients and facilitating their referral to treatment where required.

2.385         As stated above, the early treatment of harmful drug use to prevent drug dependency, and addressing barriers to employment created by drug dependency, are likely to be legitimate objectives for the purposes of human rights law. However, as discussed above, the initial analysis identified that it is not clear that the measure is effective to achieve and proportionate to the stated objectives, and there would appear to be less rights restrictive methods for achieving these objectives.

2.386         The committee therefore sought further advice from the minister as to whether the measure is proportionate to its objective, in particular whether there are less rights restrictive alternatives to the measure to achieve the objective.

Minister's response

2.387         In relation to the compatibility of the measure with the right to equality and non-discrimination, and whether the measure is proportionate to its objective, the minister's response states:

Drug or alcohol dependency is a known barrier to work or to undertaking activities to find or prepare for work. In 2016-17 there were 22,133 temporary incapacity exemptions given to 16,157 job seekers because they had drug and/or alcohol dependence issues that prevented them from meeting mutual obligation requirements, such as job search.

This is a significant number of job seekers; however, as outlined above, data from the 2013 National Drug Strategy Household Drug Use Survey indicates that there may be many more job seekers with drug and/or alcohol abuse issues who are not being identified.

Supporting job seekers with drug and/or alcohol abuse issues to seek treatment will better enable them to meet the mutual obligation requirements associated with their payments and ultimately find and maintain a job. This trial is designed to test a new way of identifying job seekers in these circumstances and providing them with support. To the extent that the trial is targeted at people with drug abuse issues, this is reasonable and proportionate to the objective of ensuring that these job seekers get the support they need to address their issues.

Research indicates that certain groups within the population may be at greater risk of developing harmful drug use behaviours or undergoing drug-related harm. These groups may require particular targeting in terms of education, treatment and prevention programs.

In relation to the potential use of risk profiling, it was intended that this would be used to inform the selection of job seekers for the trial in order to maximise the chances of identifying job seekers who may have drug abuse issues and may need help to address their barriers to work.

2.388         As stated above, the early treatment of harmful drug use to prevent drug dependency, and addressing barriers to employment created by drug dependency, are likely to be legitimate objectives for the purposes of human rights law. However, the concern is whether the measure is rationally connected and proportionate to that objective. While in general providing support for persons with drug dependency issues (such as referring people to medical treatment, education training, treatment and prevention programs) is consistent with international human rights law, the minister has not provided any information as to whether income management and, in certain circumstances, reducing payments of persons who fail to undertake treatment activities would be an effective or proportionate means of ensuring job seekers get the support they need to address drug dependency issues.

2.389         Further, the minister has not expressly identified whether the measure was the least rights restrictive way of achieving its legitimate objective. While the minister acknowledged that certain groups within the population may be at greater risk of developing harmful drug use behaviours and therefore may require particular targeting, the minister did not expressly engage with the right to equality and non-discrimination on the basis of disability where drug dependency may rise to the level of a disability. Based on the information provided, the measure appears to have a disproportionate negative effect on particular groups and is likely to be incompatible with the right to equality and non-discrimination. 

Committee response

2.390        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.391        The preceding analysis indicates the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to equality and non-discrimination noting that the measure appears likely to have a disproportionate negative impact on particular groups and that it appears the measure is unlikely to be the least rights restrictive measure.

Schedules 13-14 – Removal of exemptions for drug or alcohol dependence; and changes to reasonable excuses

2.392         Under current social security law, a person may be exempted from participation or activity test requirements (mutual obligation requirements) in relation to the receipt of certain social security payments such as Newstart Allowance, Youth Allowance, parenting payments and special benefits. If they are not exempted from the requirements, and commit a 'participation failure' (such as failing to attend a participation interview or undertake a compulsory work activity) they will have their payments suspended, cancelled or reduced. However, where a person fails to meet a mutual obligation requirement or commits a participation failure, they will not be subject to a suspension or a non-payment penalty where that person has a 'reasonable excuse'.

2.393         Schedule 13 of the bill seeks to ensure that exemptions from mutual obligation requirements are not available where the reason for the exemption is wholly or predominantly attributable to drug or alcohol dependency or misuse.

2.394         Schedule 14 of the bill provides the secretary with a power to make a legislative instrument setting out the matters that must not be taken into account when deciding whether a person has a 'reasonable excuse' for committing a participation failure.

Compatibility of the measures with the right to equality and non-discrimination

2.395         As noted above, the right to equality and non-discrimination provides that all persons are equal before the law and entitled to equal protection of the law without any discrimination. It effectively prohibits the law from discriminating on grounds such as race, sex, religion, political opinion, national origin, or "other status".[186] 

2.396         Alcohol and drug dependence is considered to be a disability, and therefore considered "other status"[187] as well as protected from discrimination by the CRPD.[188] 

2.397         As stated in the statement of compatibility, the measure:

...engages the rights to equality and non-discrimination because people who may have a disability or illnesses associated with drug or alcohol dependency (such as alcoholism) will be subject to differential treatment insofar as they will not be eligible for the exemption that people with another illness or disability could potentially access.[189]                         

2.398         The statement of compatibility also acknowledges potential discrimination against Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people who experience higher rates of drug and alcohol dependencies.

2.399         As noted in the initial analysis, the statement of compatibility states that in both instances the differential treatment is permissible because the measure is 'reasonable and proportionate to the objective of encouraging these recipients to address the underlying cause of their incapacity'.[190] While this may be a legitimate objective for the purposes of human rights law, questions arise as to whether the measures are effective to achieve (that is, rationally connected to) and proportionate to that objective. 

2.400         The proposed preclusion from obtaining an exemption from the measure in specified circumstances is quite broad, affecting both the rational connection and proportionality of the measure to the objective of 'encouraging these recipients to address the underlying cause of their incapacity'.[191] The measure refers to circumstances, illness or accident 'predominantly attributable to a person's misuse of alcohol or another drug' and therefore appears to cover not only ongoing drug and alcohol misuse but diseases that may result from past misuse such as Alcoholic Liver Disease or brain damage. In these circumstances, a person may have already done all they can to address 'the underlying cause of their incapacity'. It may also cover injuries resulting from accidents when intoxicated, where again, the cause cannot be addressed as the misuse occurred in the past. In addition, the previous analysis stated that it appears to cover circumstances where a person has undergone treatment unsuccessfully several times, and may no longer have the mental capacity to be assessed as a suitable candidate for treatment.

2.401         The explanatory memorandum states that an exemption would not cover 'a special circumstances exemption due to a major personal crisis because they have been evicted from their home due to drug or alcohol misuse'.[192] The measure therefore appears intended to have the effect that if a person fails to attend a participation interview or undertake a compulsory work activity because that person has, for instance, been rendered homeless, that person's social security payments will be suspended, cancelled or reduced, if this homelessness is predominantly attributable to drug or alcohol dependency.

2.402         The initial analysis stated that it is difficult to see how making a person subject to mutual obligation requirements when they are in crisis due to eviction, caused by alcohol or drug misuse (which depending on severity may be a disability), will encourage that person to address the 'underlying cause of their incapacity'. The withdrawal of social security in circumstances of personal crisis may indeed exacerbate substance abuse problems, rather than encourage treatment.

2.403         Whilst the explanatory memorandum and statement of compatibility reason that the measure will allow treatment to be sought as part of mutual obligation requirements, it appears to rely on the exercise of discretion by the Department of Human Services. The legal basis for requiring treatment as part of an employment pathway plan is not apparent, and this is not addressed by the statement of compatibility.[193]

2.404         In order for a measure to be a proportionate limitation on the right to equality and non-discrimination, it must be shown that there were no less rights restrictive methods available to achieve the objective. The previous analysis stated that, in this instance it is not evident why, for example, encouraging treatment and investing in additional treatment and referral services, as would be the case with other disabilities, is insufficient to encourage recipients to address the underlying cause of their incapacity.

2.405         A potentially important safeguard within the Social Security Administration Act is the mechanism by which a person will not be subject to a suspension or non‑payment penalty for non-compliance with mutual obligation requirements where that person has a 'reasonable excuse'. As noted above, schedule 14 provides the secretary with a power to make a legislative instrument setting out what constitutes a reasonable excuse. The statement of compatibility states that this power is intended to be exercised so as to ensure that income support recipients will not be able to repeatedly use drug or alcohol abuse or dependency as a reasonable excuse for participation failures.[194] This raises a concern that what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' may not cover the particular circumstances of those suffering from addiction. However, the statement of compatibility further explains that it is intended that individuals will still be able to use drug or alcohol abuse or dependency once as a reasonable excuse (but not for second or subsequent participation failures and be offered treatment as part of their employment pathway plan.[195]

2.406         The explanatory materials provide some further information about the likely content of such a legislative instrument made under schedule 14 and state that the penalty would not be imposed where treatment was not appropriate, or available:

It is intended that existing reasonable excuse provisions will continue to apply following the initial relevant participation failure due to drug or alcohol misuse or dependency where treatment is unavailable/inappropriate, including where the job seeker:

• is ineligible or unable to participate;
• has already participated in all available treatment;
• has agreed but not yet commenced in treatment; or
• has relapsed since completing treatment and is seeking further treatment.[196]

2.407         The content of these safeguards is important in assessing the human rights compatibility of the measure. However, the initial human rights assessment stated that without reviewing the legislative instrument, which will set out what constitutes a reasonable excuse, it is difficult to determine the extent of any limitation on the right to equality and non-discrimination and whether there will be sufficient safeguards to ensure that the limitation on this right is proportionate.   

2.408         The committee sought further information from the minister as to whether the measures are reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of their objective and in particular:

• whether less rights restrictive measures would be workable; and
• whether adequate safeguards are available to protect the rights of people with disabilities relating to alcohol or drugs.

2.409         Noting that the details of what is to constitute a 'reasonable excuse' is to be provided by legislative instrument, the committee also sought further information from the minister regarding the safeguards to be included in this instrument.

Minister's response

2.410         In relation to the committee's inquiry seeking further information regarding the safeguards to be included in the legislative instrument, the minister's response states:

The instrument will include a number of safeguards to ensure that job seekers with drug or alcohol dependency affecting their ability to meet their requirements are not adversely affected by the measure through no fault of their own. The intent of the measure is to remove the ability for job seekers to repeatedly use reasonable excuse only in those instances where they have previously had it accepted and subsequently refused available and appropriate treatment.

Accordingly, the instrument will specify that drug or alcohol dependency cannot be considered as a reasonable excuse only if it has been previously used and accepted and if the individual has refused to participate in appropriate and available treatment. This would mean that the only time job seekers would not be able to have their drug or alcohol considered as a reasonable excuse would be if they had decided not to participate in treatment. In any instance where the job seeker had made a decision to participate in available and appropriate treatment, drug and alcohol dependence would be required to be considered in determining if the job seeker had a reasonable excuse (as per current arrangements).

As an additional protection, it will be specified in the instrument that if appropriate treatment is not available for the job seeker, then the existing reasonable excuse provisions will continue to apply.

More broadly, the instrument will continue to specify those matters that must be taken into account when deciding whether a job seeker has a reasonable excuse. The instrument will not limit the discretion of the decision-maker to take into account any factor that may provide a reasonable excuse (except for drug and alcohol dependency while refusing to participate in appropriate treatment).

2.411         The minister's response clarifies that it is only where a person has previously invoked drug dependency as a reasonable excuse and the person has refused to participate in treatment that the person would not be able to invoke their drug dependency as a reasonable excuse. Based on this information, it appears that this aspect of the measure may be sufficiently circumscribed and constitute a safeguard insofar as persons who cannot meet the requirements through no fault of their own (such as where appropriate treatment is unavailable) will not be affected. The committee will consider the human rights compatibility of the proposed legislative instrument once it is received.

2.412         In relation to whether less rights restrictive measures would be workable, and whether there are adequate safeguards available to protect the rights of people with disabilities relating to alcohol or drugs, the minister's response states:

Schedule 13

Drug or alcohol dependency is [a] known barrier to work or to undertaking activities to find or prepare for work. As highlighted in 2016-17 there were 22,133 temporary incapacity exemptions given to 16,157 job seekers because they had a drug and/or alcohol dependence issues that prevented them from meeting mutual obligation requirements, such as job search.

AIIowing people to be exempt from their mutual obligations due to drug or alcohol issues supports a disengagement from the employment services support process, and from potential referral to treatment, which may impede a person's return to work in the longer term.

This measure is designed to ensure that job seekers with drug and alcohol abuse issues remain connected to their employment services provider so that they can be supported to engage in appropriate activities to address their barriers to work.

As per existing arrangements, the provider will work with the job seeker to develop a Job Plan that is individually tailored and responds to their issues and needs. This could include drug and/or alcohol treatment where appropriate.

People who have a disability, such as acquired brain injury or liver disease, that may have been caused or exacerbated by drug and/or alcohol abuse will remain eligible to apply for a temporary incapacity exemption on the basis of this disability if it is impacting on their ability to meet their mutual obligation requirements. Job seekers that have other circumstances not connected to drug or alcohol misuse which impact their ability to meet their mutual obligation requirements may also qualify for another type of exemption. This may include circumstances, such as domestic violence, temporary caring responsibilities or a major personal crisis.

To the extent that this measure is targeted at people with drug and/or alcohol misuse or dependency issues, this is reasonable and proportionate to the objective of ensuring that these job seekers get the support they need to address their issues, noting that other exemptions will continue to be available.

Schedule 14

As part of the tightening of reasonable excuse, job seekers, including those with disabilities related to drugs or alcohol, will be able to unconditionally use reasonable excuse due to drug or alcohol dependency only once. Job seekers will then have the choice of seeking treatment, if it is available and appropriate, which will help them meet their mutual obligation requirements. If job seekers elect not to undertake treatment they will no longer be able to use drug or alcohol dependence as a reasonable excuse if they do not meet their mutual obligation requirements.

This measure is the least restrictive method of achieving the policy objective of ensuring that job seekers are unable to repeatedly use drug or alcohol as a reasonable excuse unless they agree to participate in treatment, if it is available and appropriate. Job seekers will also only be affected by the measure if they continually fail to meet their mutual obligation requirements and refuse to participate in available and appropriate treatment (see further detail on available protections in the response to 1.311 and 1.316). Those with drug or alcohol conditions that do not impair the ability to meet their requirements or who agree to participate in treatment will not be affected by the tightening of reasonable excuse.

2.413         The minister's response has clarified some of the circumstances in which other types of exemption would apply, such as a temporary incapacity exemption for persons who have a disability such as an acquired brain injury or liver disease caused or exacerbated by drug use, or other exemptions for circumstances involving domestic violence, temporary caring responsibilities or a major personal crisis. This may alleviate some of the concerns expressed in the initial analysis as to the breadth of the proposed preclusions, and safeguards available to protect the rights of people with disabilities relating to alcohol or drugs. While it appears that the scope of the preclusion on obtaining an exemption in Schedule 13 remains broad, the safeguards with respect to the operation of the 'reasonable excuse' amendments in Schedule 14, discussed above, appear to address some of these concerns insofar as persons who cannot meet the mutual obligation requirements through no fault of their own (such as where appropriate treatment is unavailable) will be able to continue to rely on the 'reasonable excuse' requirement. 

Committee response

2.414        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.415        The preceding analysis indicates that the right to equality and non‑discrimination is engaged by the measure.

2.416        On balance, schedules 13 and 14 appear to include adequate safeguards to protect the rights of people with disabilities relating to alcohol or drugs, noting that this is subject to the final content of the Drug Test Rules and that the committee will consider the human rights compatibility of the proposed legislative instrument containing these safeguards once it is received.

Compatibility of the measures with the right to social security and an adequate standard of living

2.417         Removing drug and alcohol dependence as an exemption to mutual obligation requirements means that more people will be required to comply with such requirements. The previous analysis stated that, as a failure to meet these requirements without a reasonable excuse will result in the reduction or suspension of social security payments, the measure engages and may limit the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. Further, the analysis noted that the changes to what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' in these circumstances also engages and may limit these rights to the extent that drug and alcohol abuse and dependency no longer constitute a reasonable excuse for failing to meet a mutual obligation requirement.[197]  

2.418         As discussed above, whilst encouraging recipients to address their underlying barriers to work is a legitimate objective under international law, there are questions as to whether the measures are effective to achieve and proportionate to that objective.

2.419         In the context of the right to social security and an adequate standard of living, these provisions may be particularly disproportionate as they restrict the discretion enabling compliance officers to take into account the particular hardship suffered by a person where alcohol and drugs are involved, and therefore may operate to deny a person basic necessities. As stated above, many welfare payments are already paid at a basic rate, and require a person to have used the majority of their savings in order to be eligible. Therefore, there may not be a financial buffer for personal crises or illnesses that cause difficulties in meeting mutual obligation requirements. The initial analysis stated that it was particularly concerning that a person may be subject to suspension or cancellation of social security payments in circumstances where they have been evicted from their housing due to alcohol or drug use. Under the intended rules of Schedule 14, it does not appear that they will then be able to access reasonable excuse provisions more than once. This kind of inflexibility may cause significant deprivation and fail to support people in addressing their substance misuse issues.

2.420         The preceding analysis indicates that Schedules 13 and 14 engage and limit the right to social security and an adequate standard of living.

2.421         The committee therefore sought further information from the minister as to whether the measures are reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of their objective and in particular:

• whether less rights restrictive measures would be workable; and
• whether adequate safeguards are available to protect people from suffering deprivation.

Minister's response

2.422         In relation to these matters, the minister's response provides further information as to what happens to job seekers who have drug dependency issues who cannot rely on an exemption from mutual obligation requirements or invoke their drug dependency as a 'reasonable excuse':

Schedule 13

This measure recognises that, while job seekers with substance misuse issues may be unable to undertake job search or other work-related activities, they should be encouraged to pursue treatment to overcome their barriers to work.

A job seeker's rate of payment is not impacted by whether or not they have an exemption from their mutual obligation requirements. As such, this measure will not change the amount of income support a job seeker receives.

Where a job seeker's request for an exemption is rejected on the basis that it is wholly or predominantly related to substance dependency or misuse, they will remain connected to their employment services provider and need to satisfy mutual obligation or participation requirements.

Mutual obligation activities are tailored by employment service providers to the job seeker's needs, taking into account their individual circumstances. This may include drug or alcohol treatment. Intensive treatment (such as residential rehabilitation) which prevents the job seeker from participating in any other activities will fully meet the job seekers requirements. Less intensive treatment (such as fortnightly counselling) will contribute to meeting their requirements and the job seeker may have to undertake other activities, depending on their circumstances and capacity.

Job seekers (other than those participating in the trial) undertaking treatment will have this included in their Job Plan as a voluntary activity. This means that compliance action, such as a financial penalty, will not apply if the job seekers ceases to undertake that activity or fails to attend. However, in these circumstances, the job seekers will be required to undertake other activities to meet their mutual obligation requirements.

Limiting access to certain exemptions where the reason is wholly or predominantly attributable to drug or alcohol misuse or dependency is reasonable and proportionate to the objective of ensuring that job seekers are encouraged to address their substance-related issues rather than remaining disengaged.

Schedule 14

The impacts of Schedule 14, the tightening of reasonable excuse, on the rights to social security and an adequate standard of living are reasonable and proportionate. This measure is the least restrictive method of achieving the policy objective of ensuring that job seekers are unable to repeatedly use drug or alcohol as a reasonable excuse. Job seekers will also only be affected by the measure if they continually fail to meet their mutual obligation requirements and refuse to participate in available and appropriate treatment. Those with drug or alcohol conditions that do not impair the ability to meet their requirements will not be affected.

The protections outlined in the response to 1.311 [that is, the safeguards in place surrounding what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' to be introduced via a legislative instrument] will ensure that only those job seekers who actively refuse to participate in treatment will be unable to repeatedly use reasonable excuse due to drugs or alcohol. Additionally, all job seekers, whether or not they subsequently refuse to participate in treatment, will be able to use drug or alcohol dependency as a reasonable excuse once. This will ensure that job seekers are not adversely affected if they are unaware of what treatment is available in their area.

To ensure that all job seekers who elect to participate in treatment are able to do so, their usual mutual obligation requirements will be reduced, depending on the amount of hours of treatment required.

2.423         The substance of the minister's response is that the mutual obligation activities, being tailored by employment service providers to the job seeker's needs, will be sufficiently flexible to accommodate the individual circumstances of the particular job seeker. This may include a range of treatment options of varying degrees of intensity. Additionally, the minister's response emphasises that the amendments limiting the 'reasonable excuse' safeguard are sufficiently circumscribed insofar as they apply only to job seekers who 'actively refuse to participate in treatment'.

2.424         While the minister's response explains that a person's rate of payment is not impacted by whether or not they have an exemption from their mutual obligation requirements, a person's payment is liable to suspension or cancellation in the event of a participation failure if they fail to meet a mutual obligation activity. That is, they will go without payment for at least a period of time. A person may still face a non‑compliance penalty for failing to attend, for example, an interview with a job service provider due to drug dependence (such as being drug affected or hungover). As noted in the initial analysis, it is particularly concerning that a person may be subject to suspension or cancellation of social security payments in circumstances where, for example, they have been evicted from their housing due to alcohol and drug abuse. Further, while the minister explains that treatment is included as a voluntary activity in a job plan and therefore will not attract compliance actions (such as financial penalties), this does not apply to persons subject to the mandatory drug testing trial. In these circumstances, notwithstanding that the mutual obligation requirements may contain flexibility to accommodate treatment options, the inability of a person to cite their drug or alcohol dependency as a 'reasonable excuse' may have significant negative financial consequences on a person through the suspension or cancellation of their social security, or through financial penalties. It is unlikely that this potentially significant financial consequence, which may impair a person's ability to afford basic necessities, will be considered proportionate to the legitimate objectives of the measure as a matter of international human rights law.

Committee response

2.425        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.426        The preceding analysis indicates the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.

Compatibility with the right to protection of the family and the rights of the child

2.427         The rights of the family and child to protection and assistance are protected by Article 10 of ICESCR, as well as various provisions of the Convention on the Rights of the Child (CRC).

2.428         The statement of compatibility acknowledges that the right is engaged, but argues that any penalties would only apply to income support payments made to the parent in respect of themselves. It states that '[a]ny payments made to the parents for the maintenance of their children, such as Family Tax Benefit, or to meet childcare costs would not be affected by the penalty'.[198] The statement of compatibility further notes that some principal carer parents on working age payments are only required to meet part time mutual obligation requirements, even if denied an exemption to the requirements due to alcohol or drug misuse. Finally, it states that these measures will encourage parents to address barriers to employment and move into work.[199] However, as the initial analysis noted, it is unclear how it is envisaged this will operate. If a parent is having difficulty paying rent or purchasing food due to the imposition of a financial penalty, this would unavoidably affect the standard of living of the children under their care. This raises questions about the proportionality of the measure to the protection of the family and the rights of the child.

2.429         The preceding analysis indicates that Schedules 13 and 14 engage and limit the right to protection of family and the rights of the child. The committee therefore sought further information from the minister as to whether the measures are reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of their objective and in particular:

• whether less rights restrictive measures would be workable; and
• whether there are adequate safeguards to protect the rights of children.

Minister's response

2.430         In relation to these questions raised by the committee, the minister's response states:

Schedule 13

As outlined above, whether a job seeker is granted an exemption or not doesn't change the amount of income support they receive.

Where a job seeker's request for an exemption is rejected on the basis that it is wholly or predominantly related to substance dependency or misuse, they will remain connected to their employment services provider and need to satisfy mutual obligation requirements, tailored to their individual circumstances. Job seekers who are the principal carer of a dependent child aged under 16 years are subject to part-time mutual obligation requirements of 15 hours per week. This recognises their caring role and is designed to ensure they are able to balance their caring responsibilities with their participation obligations.

Ensuring that parents with substance misuse or dependency issues remained connected and can be referred to appropriate treatment will put these parents in a better position to overcome their issues, find a job and provide for their families. As noted above, job seekers undertaking treatment will have this included in their Job Plan as a voluntary activity (unless participating in the trial under Schedule 12) and will not be subject to a financial penalty if they cease to undertake that activity or fail to attend.

Family Tax Benefit, which is paid to parents to assist with the costs of children, is not subject to mutual obligation or participation requirements and will not be impacted by this measure.

Schedule 14

As a result of the tightening of reasonable excuse in Schedule 14, job seekers who continually fail to meet their usual mutual obligation requirements due to drug or alcohol dependence, and actively refuse to participate in treatment to which they have been referred, may face financial penalties. In some cases, where these job seekers are parents, this may indirectly have flow on impacts to their children (although in no circumstances would the application of a financial penalty impact family payments, including rent assistance where paid with the family payments).

However, the primary purpose of the measure is to incentivise job seekers with serious drug or alcohol issues into treatment. Continued drug or alcohol dependency by parents to an extent that they are repeatedly unable to meet their requirements is likely to have significant adverse effects for the child. Children in this circumstance would likely be better off if their parents participated in the treatment they need. Also, as part of the tightening of reasonable excuse measure, no significant increase in the number of financial penalties applied is expected. Further, given that the ultimate policy objective is to ensure job seekers address drug and alcohol barriers so that they are able to more quickly move into paid work, this will be beneficial for children as there is evidence that when parents are in paid employment this improves outcomes for children.

2.431         As discussed above in relation to the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living, while the minister's response explains that a person's rate of payment is not impacted by whether or not they have an exemption from their mutual obligation requirements, a person's payment is liable to suspension or cancellation in the event of a participation failure if they fail to meet a mutual obligation activity. Further, while the minister explains that treatment is included as a voluntary activity in a job plan and therefore will not attract compliance actions (such as financial penalties) this does not apply to persons subject to the mandatory drug testing trial. That is, persons may go without payment for at least a period of time and, in the case of persons undertaking the mandatory drug test trial, may be subject to financial penalties for failing undertake or attend treatment as part of their job plan.

2.432         In these circumstances, as with the conclusions above in relation to the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living, the flexibility contained in mutual obligation requirements to accommodate treatment options (including the options to complete those obligations part-time) does not overcome the potentially significant negative financial consequences on a person that may occur through the suspension or cancellation of their social security, or through financial penalties, for participation failures due to drug dependency. The suspension or cancellation of parents’ payments may have serious consequences on children in their care.

2.433         It is unlikely that this potentially significant financial consequence, which may impair a person's ability to afford basic necessities, will be considered proportionate to the legitimate objectives of the measure as a matter of international human rights law. As noted in the initial analysis, if a parent is having difficulty paying rent or purchasing food due to the imposition of a financial penalty, this would naturally affect the standard of living of the children under their care. Thus, while it is certainly the case that continued drug and alcohol dependency by parents may have adverse effects for the child (as the minister states in his response), the imposition of suspension, cancellation or financial penalties on parents is unlikely to constitute a proportionate limitation on the rights of children and the right to protection of the family.

Committee response

2.434        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.435        The preceding analysis indicates the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to protection of the family and the rights of the child.

Schedule 15 – compliance framework

2.436         Currently, job seekers who receive an activity-tested income support social security participation payment (that is, Newstart Allowance and, in some cases, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment or special benefit) are subject to the compliance framework set out in Division 3A of the Social Security Administration Act and must comply with mutual obligation requirements.[200] 

2.437         Schedule 15 of the bill proposes to introduce a new compliance framework, including:

• Payment suspension for non-compliance with a mutual obligation requirement;
• Financial penalties for refusing work; and
• Financial penalties for persistent non-compliance.

2.438         The committee has previously examined several bills which contained measures similar to those proposed in this schedule.[201]

Payment suspension for mutual obligation failures

2.439         Under schedule 15 job seekers will have their income support payment suspended for every failure to meet a mutual obligation requirement without a reasonable excuse.[202] The suspension period ends when the person complies with the reconnection requirement (such as reconnecting with an employment provider) unless the secretary determines an earlier day. If the job seeker fails to reconnect with employment services within four weeks, their social security participation payment will be cancelled.[203] The measure is similar to those currently contained in division 3A of the Social Security Administration Act.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and right to an adequate standard of living

2.440         The previous analysis stated that, as the measure operates to suspend social security payments, it engages and may limit the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. As set out above, such limitations are permissible provided certain criteria are met.

2.441         The statement of compatibility identifies the objective of the measure as 'encouraging persons to remain engaged with employment services and actively seek and accept suitable work'.[204] This is likely to be a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law.   

2.442         It was noted that the existence of safeguards is relevant to the proportionality of the measure. The statement of compatibility outlines some of the relevant safeguards including that the suspension does not apply if the person has a 'reasonable excuse'. What constitutes a reasonable excuse is to be outlined in a legislative instrument. The statement of compatibility notes that a 'reasonable excuse' may include, for example, 'whether the person or a close family member has suffered an illness or was prevented from complying by circumstances beyond their control'.[205] However, other aspects of this bill, as outlined above, seek to limit what constitutes a reasonable excuse. Without being able to review the legislative instrument, which will include further information about what constitutes a reasonable excuse, the initial analysis noted that it is difficult to determine whether or not this mechanism will operate as an effective safeguard. 

2.443         The statement of compatibility outlines some other safeguards including that:

• Job seekers will continue to be eligible for concession card benefits while suspended (but not cancelled);
• cancelations and suspensions are subject to review both internally and externally;
• if a job seeker's payment is cancelled as a result of failing to reengage within four weeks, they are able to reclaim benefits immediately; and
• the payment suspension can be ended by fulfilling the reconnection requirement (such as attending an interview with their employment service provider) and be fully back paid.[206]

2.444         The committee therefore requested the advice of the minister as to whether the measure is reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of its legitimate objective, in particular, what criteria will apply to whether a person is considered to have a 'reasonable excuse' for failing to comply with a mutual obligation requirement. 

Minister's response

2.445         The minister's response argues that 'the targeted compliance framework, is reasonable and proportionate in achieving the objective of encouraging job seekers to remain engaged with employment services and actively seeking and accepting suitable work'.

2.446         In relation to the suspension of payment for a mutual obligation failure, the minister's response states that 'job seekers who miss requirements without reasonable excuse will have their payment suspended until they re-engage, with any missed payment back-paid'.

2.447         In relation to what will constitute a reasonable excuse, the minister's response states that:

Reasonable excuse criteria will be largely identical to those applying under current arrangements. When determining if an individual has a reasonable excuse, decision makers will be required to consider if the job seeker's failure was directly contributed to by:

• lack of access to safe, secure and adequate housing;
• literacy and language skills;
• an illness, injury, impairment or disability;
• a cognitive, neurological, psychiatric or psychological impairment or mental illness;
• a drug or alcohol dependency;
• unforeseen family or caring responsibilities;
• criminal violence (including domestic violence and sexual assault);
• adverse effects of the death of an immediate family member or close relative; or
• working or attending a job interview at the time of the failure.

The instrument does not limit the discretion of decision-makers, who will also be able to consider any other factor that directly prevented job seekers from meeting their requirements (with the exception of repeated use of drug or alcohol dependency if the person has actively refused treatment).

2.448         These appear to be relevant safeguards with respect to the operation of the measure. Such 'reasonable excuse' criteria may be capable of operating in a matter which assists to ensure that it does not operate harshly in respect of vulnerable individuals. This means that in a number of circumstances the measure is likely to be a proportionate limitation on the right to social security. However, as set out above, there are concerns that the 'reasonable excuse' criteria will not capture drug or alcohol dependency. In terms of human rights compatibility, it will be relevant for the committee to examine the legislative instrument setting out the criteria for what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' once it is received.

Committee response

2.449        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.450        The preceding analysis indicates that, in view of the range of circumstances identified in the minister’s response to constitute a 'reasonable excuse', the measure may be compatible with the right to social security. However, it is noted that this safeguard does not apply in relation to repeated drug or alcohol dependency and the committee refers to its comments above. The committee will examine the legislative instrument defining what constitutes a 'reasonable excuse' when it is received.  

Financial penalties for refusing work or dismissal due to misconduct

2.451         Job seekers who fail to accept an offer of suitable work will have their social security payment suspended. They will also be subject to payment cancellation and a 4 week non-payment period if they are found to have refused or failed to commence the work without a reasonable excuse.[207]

2.452         Job seekers who leave suitable work voluntarily without a valid reason or are dismissed from suitable work due to misconduct will (in addition to having their payment cancelled if they are receiving payment) be subject to a 4 week non-payment period (or 6 weeks where the person received relocation assistance to move to take up the work).[208]

2.453         Currently, under section 42N of the Social Security Administration Act a person would be subject to a non-payment period of 8 weeks. However, the secretary has the discretion to end this period if it would cause 'severe financial hardship'.[209]

2.454         The bill would remove the ability for the non-payment penalty to be waived on the basis of financial hardship.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and right to an adequate standard of living

2.455         The previous analysis stated that, as the measure operates to suspend social security payments, it engages and may limit the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. The statement of compatibility identifies the objective of the measure as having:

demonstrably employable job seekers remain committed to obtaining work as soon as they can rather than continuing to remain in receipt of income support at tax-payers' expense.^[210]

2.456         In relation to the proportionality of the measure, the statement of compatibility outlines some safeguards and notes that this measure would reduce the non‑payment penalty from eight-weeks to four-weeks.^[211] On its own, this reduction would make the current arrangements less rights restrictive. However, as the initial analysis noted, concerns remain as to whether, during this four-week period, there would be sufficient support for a person to meet basic necessities. In particular, the measure would remove the ability for the non-payment penalty to be waived on the basis of financial hardship. In this regard, the explanatory memorandum explains:

There will be no wasivers for non-payment or preclusion periods under the new compliance framework. The current widespread availability of waivers, where over 88 per cent of penalties for serious failures are waived, has undermined the effectiveness of these penalties to the extent that they no longer provide a deterrent to job seekers who persistently fail to meet their requirements.[212]

2.457         The committee has previously examined the removal of the waiver and raised concerns regarding the compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.[213] It does not appear from the materials provided in the statement of compatibility that these concerns have been addressed.

2.458         While the statement of compatibility provides information as to the percentage of cases in which a waiver has been applied, the assessment does not establish that the removal or limitation of the waiver will, of itself, provide a deterrent against non-compliance with job seekers' obligations.^[214] In particular, the figures provided on the proportion of waivers granted are not accompanied by any basis to conclude that these were inappropriate, excessive or misused. The previous analysis stated that it is therefore unclear how removing the availability of a waiver on the ground of a job seeker's severe financial hardship, would achieve the stated objective of the measures. Even if excessive reliance on the waiver is considered problematic, it appears possible to address concerns without removing the waiver altogether.

2.459    The committee therefore requested the advice of the minister as to whether the measure is reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of its stated objective, and in particular:

• whether the waiver was being misused or was ineffective;
• whether there are less rights restrictive options that are reasonably available, for instance, whether a waiver could be provided where circumstances justify the waiver in accordance with a more structured framework that allows for consistent and appropriate application of the waiver; and
• whether there are any safeguards in relation to the application of the measure (such as crises or when a person is unable to meet basic necessities).

Minister's response

2.460         In relation to the removal of the ability for the non-payment penalty to be waived on the basis of financial hardship, the minister's response outlines concerns that the waiver was ineffective and was being misused:

Waivers are not appropriate for job seekers who turn down suitable work. This is because, by definition, any job seeker who turns down suitable work is able to work to help support themselves.

Job seekers may only be penalised for turning down work, where the work is suitable. That is, where it meets a range of legislated criteria, including that the person has the skills required to do the work, or will be trained to do so, the work would not aggravate any medical or psychological condition, the work meets all relevant safety and wage legislation, commuting time to and from the work is reasonable and the person has appropriate childcare available.

The presence of waivers undermines the efficacy of penalties for refusing work. As was highlighted in the statement of compatibility of human rights, the vast majority of serious penalties are waived under current arrangements. Further, as part of the policy development process for the development of the targeted compliance framework, consultation with Department of Human Services' staff reported that the cycle of assessments and the ability for cash-in-hand workers and serially non-compliant job seekers to remain on payment is exacerbated by the ability to too easily waive the eight week non-payment period for serious failures. A large number of recipients do not serve applied eight week non-payment penalty periods, having them provisionally waived by simply agreeing to participate in a Compliance Activity. Many recipients reportedly attend Compliance Activity appointments necessary to unconditionally waive the penalty and re-start their payment, but do not attend any other appointments or participate in the Compliance Activity. The Department of Human Services' staff reported that recipients in this situation are often very knowledgeable about the compliance system and pre-empt advice about how to receive payment again.

2.461         The minister's response outlines that there have been some aspects of the operation of the current measure that have undermined the effectiveness of penalties in circumstances where a person refuses suitable work. The minister's response does not expressly provide any information as to whether there are similar concerns about the operation of the waiver where a person is dismissed due to misconduct. However, it appears that similar issues relating to the operation of the waiver could apply.

2.462         Although not directly addressed, the minister's response appears to confirm that in circumstances where the non-payment penalty applies, there may be limited support available to an individual to meet basic necessities. The minister's response states that while the penalty will not be able to be waived, it will now be limited to one month (rather than the two months that was previously the case). However, it is noted that one month may still be a considerable period of time to go without social security payments.

2.463         In this respect, the minister's response states that compliance penalties will not affect family payments and that a person may be able to access crisis relief programs delivered by charities (some of which are funded under the Emergency Relief Program which is administered by the department). Continued access to family payments and potential access to emergency relief is relevant to the proportionality of the measure. However, the minister's indication that an individual may be forced to rely on charities (which they may or may not be able to access) tends to indicate that the measure is unlikely to be a proportionate limitation on human rights.

2.464         Insofar as the measure is responsive to widespread grants of waivers, the minister did not address whether, if waivers have been granted inappropriately, other less rights-restrictive means are reasonably available to ensure waivers are only granted in appropriate circumstances, without needing to remove the existence of a waiver for financial hardship.

Committee response

2.465        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.466        While this measure reduces the non-payment penalty from 8 weeks to 4 weeks, the 8 week non-payment penalty was subject to a waiver in situations of severe financial hardship. By contrast no waiver from the 4 week non-payment penalty would be available under the proposed measure.

2.467        The preceding analysis indicates that the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to social security insofar as there may be circumstances where a person is unable to meet basic necessities during the four-week non-payment period. This is consistent with the committee's previous conclusions in relation to a similar measure.

Repeated non-compliance penalties

2.468         Schedule 15 proposes that recipients of the participation payments who have repeatedly failed to comply with their mutual obligation requirements will be subject to escalating reductions in their income support social security payments for further non-compliance with requirements.[215]

2.469         For the first failure of persistent non-compliance, the rate of participation payment for the instalment period in which the failure is committed or determined will be halved.^[216] For a second failure, the job seeker will lose their entire participation payment and any add-on payments or supplements for that instalment period.^[217] For a third failure, the job seeker's payment will be cancelled from the start of the instalment period and a 4 week non-payment period, starting from the date of cancellation, will apply if the job seeker reapplies for payment. There will be no waivers for non-payment periods.^[218]

2.470         Proposed section 42AR(1) obliges the minister to make a legislative instrument determining the circumstances in which the secretary must, or must not, be satisfied that a person has committed a persistent obligation failure.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and right to an adequate standard of living

2.471         As the measure operates to suspend or cancel social security payments, it engages and may limit the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living. As noted above and in the previous analysis, the objective of 'encouraging persons to remain engaged with employment services and actively seek and accept suitable work' is likely to be considered a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law.[219]

2.472         In relation to the proportionality of the measure, the explanatory memorandum explains: 

In practice, administrative arrangements will ensure that job seekers will need to have committed multiple failures without a reasonable excuse before they can be determined to be persistently non-compliant, and their provider and the Department of Human Services (DHS) will conduct checks to ensure the job seeker does not have any undisclosed issues that are affecting their ability to comply, and that their employment pathway plan is suitable for their circumstances. The factors that the Secretary must consider as constituting persistent non-compliance will be included in a legislative instrument.[220]

2.473         However, in order for a measure to be a proportionate limitation on human rights, it must be accompanied by sufficient safeguards in legislation. Accordingly, the criteria to be included in the legislative instrument that the secretary must consider as constituting persistent non-compliance are relevant to the proportionality of the measure.

2.474         Additionally, the measure would remove the ability for the four-week non‑payment penalty to be waived. The committee has previously examined the removal of the waiver and raised concerns regarding the compatibility of the measure with the right to social security and the right to an adequate standard of living.^[221] As noted above, it is unclear how limiting the availability of a waiver on the ground of a job seeker's severe financial hardship would achieve the stated objective of the measure. It is also unclear, during the four-week non-payment period, whether there would be sufficient support for a person to meet basic necessities or other safeguards.

2.475    The committee therefore requested the advice of the minister as to whether the measure is reasonable and proportionate for the achievement of its stated objective, and in particular:

• whether the waiver was being misused or was ineffective;
• whether there are less rights restrictive options that are reasonably available;
• whether there are any safeguards in relation to the application of the measure (such as, crises or when a person is unable to meet basic necessities);
• whether a waiver could be provided where circumstances justify the waiver in accordance with a more structured framework that allows for consistent and appropriate application of the waiver; and
• what criteria will be set out in the legislative instrument as matters the Secretary must or must not consider as constituting persistent non-compliance.

Minister's response

2.476         In relation to the proportionality of the measure and whether any safeguards are available, the minister's response states:

The measure is proportionate and reasonable and will be fairer and less harsh than the current framework for the vast majority of job seekers who are generally compliant. Job seekers will only face penalties where they repeatedly and persistently do not meet their requirements without reasonable excuse, refuse work or voluntarily become unemployed...

Existing protections for the 200,000 job seekers who have some sort of exemption from their mutual obligations or are fully meeting their obligations through approved activities will also be preserved.

In addition, numerous safeguards will exist to ensure that only those job seekers who are deliberately and persistently non-compliant will face financial penalties. This recognises the fact that the majority of job seekers consistently do the right thing and should not have payment deducted, when payment suspension (with back-pay) alone is sufficient to get them to re-engage. Job seekers will generally have to miss a minimum of five appointments in six months, without good reason, before they actually lose money. In contrast, job seekers may lose money for their first failure under the current one-size-fits-all system.

To ensure that job seekers with circumstances affecting their ability to meet their requirements are not unfairly penalised, job seekers will also have their capabilities assessed twice before they face any loss of money, by both their provider (on their third failure) and the Department of Human Services (on their fourth failure). Job seekers whose vulnerabilities have impacted their ability to meet agreed commitments will be able to renegotiate their job plan at either of these assessments and have their demerits reset to zero (allowing a further five failures without reasonable excuse before any payment is lost). These protections are in contrast to the current framework, where job seekers on average have almost four penalties applied before they undergo a Comprehensive Compliance Assessment to see if they have any vulnerabilities.

2.477         It is acknowledged that this process of assessment is intended to operate in a less rights restrictive way than is the case under the current system.

2.478         In relation to the inability for the non-payment penalty to be waived regardless of individual circumstances, the minister's response states 'as with penalties for refusing work, the vast majority of penalties for repeated noncompliance are waived under current arrangements, undermining the deterrent effect of penalties — particularly for persistently non-compliant job seekers'.

2.479         As noted above, it is acknowledged that there may be legitimate concerns regarding waivers being applied in a manner which undermines the effectiveness of penalties. However, the minister's response does not address whether less right restrictive approaches to the total removal of the waiver would be available. Specifically, the response does not address whether a waiver could be provided where circumstances justify the waiver in accordance with a more structured framework that allows for consistent and appropriate application of the waiver.

2.480         The minister's response further states that while the penalty will not be able to be waived, it will now be limited to one month (rather than the two months that was previously the case). However, as noted above, one month may still be a considerable period of time to go without social security payments. In this respect, the minister's response further states that compliance penalties will not affect family payments and that a person may be able to access crisis relief programs delivered by charities (some of which are funded under the Emergency Relief Program which is administered by the department). Continued access to family payments and potential access to emergency relief is relevant to the proportionality of the measure. Yet, the fact that an individual may be forced to rely on charities (which they may or may not be able to access) tends to indicate that the measure is unlikely to be a proportionate limitation on human rights.

2.481         In relation to the criteria that will be set out in the legislative instrument as matters the secretary must or must not consider as constituting persistent non-compliance, the minister's response states:

The legislative instrument determining the circumstances in which the Secretary must or must not be satisfied that a person has persistently committed mutual obligation failures will specify the number and timeframe within which prior failures must have been committed to constitute persistent non-compliance. However, the determination of individual failures contributing to a finding of persistent non-compliance will continue to be guided by the reasonable excuse provisions and instrument. As outlined above, reasonable excuse criteria will be largely identical to those applying under current arrangements. It should also be reiterated that the instrument does not limit the discretion of decision-makers, who will continue to be able to consider any other factor that directly prevented job seekers from meeting their requirements (with the exception of drug or alcohol dependency if the person has refused treatment).

2.482         It is noted that this approach may assist to ensure that a non‑payment penalty is only applied according to objective criteria. This is likely to assist with the proportionality of the measure. In terms of human rights compatibility, it will be relevant for the committee to examine the legislative instrument setting out the criteria for what constitutes persistent non-compliance once it is received. However, it is noted that the criteria described in the minister's response does not require any assessment that a person will be able to meet basic necessities before the penalty is applied. Accordingly, it does not address the concern, set out above, that a person may be unable to meet basic necessities during the four week non-payment period.

Committee response

2.483        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.484        While this measure reduces the non-payment penalty from 8 weeks to 4 weeks, the 8 week non-payment penalty was subject to a waiver in situations of severe financial hardship. By contrast no waiver from the 4 week non-payment penalty would be available under the proposed measure.

2.485        The preceding analysis indicates that the measure is likely to be incompatible with the right to social security noting that there may be circumstances where a person is unable to meet basic necessities during the four-week non-payment period. This is consistent with the committee's previous conclusions in relation to a similar measure.

2.486        The committee will examine the legislative instrument setting out the criteria for what constitutes persistent non-compliance once it is received.

Schedule 17 – Information gathering powers and referrals for prosecution

2.487         Currently, the secretary may require a person to give information or produce a document that is in a person's custody or control in order to assess a person's qualification, payability or rate of payment.[222] It is an offence with a penalty of up to 12 months imprisonment to refuse to comply with this requirement.[223] 

2.488         Schedule 17 of the bill would allow information and documents obtained in the course of such administrative action by the Department of Human Services to be used in subsequent investigations and criminal proceedings.[224]

2.489         It also proposes to provide that a person is not excused from giving information or producing a document on the ground that the information might tend to incriminate the person.[225]

Compatibility of the measure with the right to privacy

2.490         The right to privacy includes respect for informational privacy, including the right to respect for private and confidential information and the right to control the dissemination of information about one's private life. The initial analysis stated that, as the measure would allow for the compulsory collection and sharing of information about an individual, it engages and limits the right to privacy. It does so in circumstances where the person providing the information or document will not be afforded the privilege against self-incrimination.

2.491         The right to privacy may be subject to permissible limitations which are provided by law and are not arbitrary. In order for limitations not to be arbitrary, the measure must pursue a legitimate objective, and be rationally connected and proportionate to achieving that objective. The statement of compatibility acknowledges that this measure engages the right to privacy but argues that this limitation is permissible.^[226]

2.492         The statement of compatibility explains that currently information and documents obtained under section 192 of the Social Security Administration Act are inadmissible in criminal proceedings. It notes that the current process is to obtain such information by search warrant:

Because of this, admissible evidence is obtained by using search warrants pursuant to section 3E of the Crimes Act 1914 (Cth). The Department of Human Services requests around 1,000 of these warrants annually. Each warrant requires two to three business days of a seconded Australian Federal Police agent's effort. This process places a significant burden on the Department of Human Services, the Australian Federal Police, warrant recipients and the courts, particularly when this information has already been collected under section 192 of the SS(Admin) Act for administrative purposes.[227]

2.493         The statement of compatibility identifies the objective of the measure as 'to streamline the process of gathering evidence for welfare fraud prosecution'.[228] As the initial analysis noted, matters of administrative ease or streamlining processes on their own are unlikely to be considered a legitimate objective for the purpose of international human rights law. Rather, a legitimate objective must address a pressing or substantial concern and not simply seek an outcome regarded as desirable or convenient.

2.494         Further, the statement of compatibility does not demonstrate that the measure imposes a proportionate limitation on the right to privacy. In particular, the statement of compatibility does not address whether there are adequate safeguards in place with respect to the exercise of this information gathering and sharing power. It is noted that a warrant system by its nature provides external safeguards that would not be present in the new system. In order to be a proportionate limitation on the right to privacy a measure must be the least rights restrictive way of achieving its legitimate objective.

2.495         The committee therefore sought the advice of the minister as to:

• whether there is reasoning or evidence that establishes that the stated objective addresses a pressing or substantial concern or whether the proposed changes are otherwise aimed at achieving a legitimate objective;
• how the measure is effective to achieve (that is, rationally connected to) that objective; and
• whether the limitation is a reasonable and proportionate measure to achieve the stated objective.

Minister's response

2.496         In relation to the compatibility of the measure with the right to privacy, the minister's response outlines the objective of the measure:

The proposed changes within schedule 17 are aimed at achieving a legitimate objective, by preventing the need to obtain, via a search warrant, information already obtained administratively. This not only provides administrative benefits to the Department of Human Services and the Australian Federal Police, but also benefits those persons providing the information, typically third parties, by reducing the burden placed on them.

2.497         However, as noted in the initial analysis, reducing administrative burdens or administrative convenience alone will generally be insufficient for the purposes of permissibly limiting a human right under international human rights law. Generally, a legitimate objective must address an area of public or social concern that is pressing and substantial enough to warrant limiting the right. Although not advanced in the minister's response, a legitimate objective of the measure may be to ensure the effective investigation of fraud. 

2.498         In relation to the proportionality of the limitation on the right to privacy, the minister's response states:

The limitation of the right to privacy of this measure is reasonable and proportionate.

In cases where this measure is used to obtain evidence from individuals other than the person under investigation for welfare fraud, this method does not impose any additional interference to their privacy, family, home or correspondence. This is because any evidence obtained under this measure would previously have been obtained using a search warrant, sometimes after they had already provided this information for administrative purposes.

In cases where this measure is used to obtain information from the individual under administrative investigation, this information is only obtained for the purposes of ensuring the sustainability and integrity of the social security system. This does not entail any risk of reputational harm, except where an individual commits an offence by providing false or incomplete information. This measure does not change the scope of information being provided and only requires individuals to make a limited disclosure of information necessary for the proper administration of the social security system.

2.499         The response does not acknowledge that the purposes for which the information may be used will be broadened such that the effect on the right to privacy may be more extensive under the proposed measure. The fact that information may have previously been provided for another purpose does not necessarily mean that use of such information for further purposes is permissible. Further, the response does not acknowledge that a warrant may or may not be granted in a particular case. The warrant process is a form of external oversight and a relevant safeguard against search powers being used improperly. No assessment is made in the response as to the likely impact of the removal of the warrant requirement.

2.500         On the other hand, as discussed further below, the existence of a 'use' and 'derivative use' immunity contained in proposed section 197A may operate as a safeguard in relation to the potential use of particular information. Proposed section 197A relevantly provides that, subject to exceptions, information given, documents produced or information obtained directly or indirectly as a result of providing the documents or information, are not admissible in evidence against the individual in criminal proceedings.[229] This applies to information provided in accordance with this measure. In relation to the scope of exemptions to these immunities, it appears that they are in relation to failing to provide documents in accordance with the measure as well as offences involving fraud or misrepresentation including in relation to obtaining social security payments.[230] While these exemptions provide significant scope for the use of information, the existence of the immunities in relation to information that does not go to these offences is relevant to the proportionality of the limitation.

Committee response

2.501        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.502        Based on the existence of relevant immunities against use of material against an individual, it appears that the measure may be compatible with the right to privacy.

Compatibility of the measure with the right not to incriminate oneself

2.503         Specific guarantees of the right to a fair trial in the determination of a criminal charge guaranteed by article 14 of the ICCPR include the right not to incriminate oneself (article 14(3)(g)).

2.504         The previous analysis stated that, requiring a person to provide information or produce a document even if this information may incriminate them engages and limits the right not to incriminate oneself. This right may be subject to permissible limitations where the measure pursues a legitimate objective and is rationally connected to, and proportionate to achieving, that objective.

2.505         The statement of compatibility acknowledges this right is engaged. However, as noted above, it is unclear from the statement of compatibility whether the abrogation of the privilege against self-incrimination pursues a legitimate objective for the purpose of international human rights law.

2.506         The statement of compatibility identifies some matters which may go towards whether the measure is proportionate.[231] In particular, the statement of compatibility outlines that a 'use' and 'derivative use' would be available in relation to information provided.[232] Such immunities are important safeguards. However, in this case, it was noted that the immunities are subject to a range of exceptions. In light of these exceptions, it is unclear whether the measure is sufficiently circumscribed so as to ensure the limitation is proportionate.

2.507         The committee therefore sought the advice of the minister as to:

• whether there is reasoning or evidence that establishes that the stated objective addresses a pressing or substantial concern or whether the proposed changes are otherwise aimed at achieving a legitimate objective;
• how the measure is effective to achieve (that is, rationally connected to) that objective; and
• whether the limitation is a reasonable and proportionate measure to achieve the stated objective (including whether the exceptions to the 'use/derivative use' immunities are sufficiently circumscribed).

Minister's response

2.508         In relation to the legitimate objective of the measure, the minister's response points to 'reducing administrative burdens'. However, as noted above, this does not appear to be a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law. Although not advanced in the minister's response, a legitimate objective of the measure may be to ensure the effective investigation of fraud.

2.509         In relation to the proportionality of the limitation, the minister's response states:

The limitation on the right to self-incrimination is reasonable and proportionate. The common law right to silence preventing use of the information or documents against the person providing them is retained, other than in proceedings for the provision of false information. In these circumstances, this measure is a proportionate limitation on an individual's right to freedom from self-incrimination, because the Department of Human Services depends on individuals disclosing complete and accurate information in order to ensure the sustainability and integrity of the social security system.

This limitation is also consistent with section 9.5.1 of the Guide to Framing Commonwealth Offences, Infringement Notices and Enforcement, which deals with the privilege against self-incrimination. The Guide states that the privilege against self-incrimination does not apply "where it is alleged that a person has given false or misleading information".

2.510          The availability of immunities under proposed section 197A including a 'use' and a 'derivative use' immunity, is relevant to whether the limitation is proportionate.[233] In relation to the scope of exemptions to these immunities, it appears that they are in relation to offences involving fraud or misrepresentation including in relation to obtaining social security payments.^[234] The particular context of the limitation is that the receipt of social security benefits is contingent upon the accurate provision of information. The existence of the immunities in relation to the provision of information that may go to other offences is relevant to the proportionality of the limitation.

Committee response

2.511        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.512        On balance, the committee considers that the measure is likely to be compatible with the right not to incriminate oneself.

Schedule 18 – Exempting social security laws from disability discrimination law

2.513         The Social Security Act 1991 is currently exempt from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992. After this exemption was established, certain provisions from the Social Security Act 1991 were transferred to two new acts – the Social Security Administration Act and the Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999. The exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 was not extended to these two new acts. The bill seeks to include the Social Security Administration Act and the Social Security (International Agreements) Act 1999 in the list of legislation exempt from the operation of the Disability Discrimination Act, as well as legislative instruments made under the Social Security Act 1991 and the Social Security Administration Act.

Compatibility of the measure with the right to equality and non-discrimination

2.514         As discussed earlier, 'discrimination' under international law encompasses differential treatment on the basis of a protected attribute, such as disability, as well as treatment having a disproportionate impact on people with a protected attribute.^[235] However, differential treatment based on a protected attribute may be permissible where it is a 'special measure'.

2.515         The initial analysis stated that, as the proposed schedule extends the exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 to two additional acts and legislative instruments, the measure engages and limits the right to equality and non‑discrimination.

2.516         In relation to the purpose of the measure, the statement of compatibility states that:

This exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act is designed to ensure that social security pensions, allowances and benefits, including for people with disability, can be appropriately targeted according to the purposes of the payments.... Payments under social security law are made to eligible people on the basis of a variety of factors such as their health, disability, age, income and asset levels. This ensures that Australia’s social security system is targeted based on people’s circumstances and need and constitutes legitimate differential treatment.[236]

2.517         It was noted that section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act 1992 already exempts special measures 'designed to assist people who have a disability to obtain greater equality of opportunity or provide them with benefits to meet their special needs'. An exemption therefore is not required in order to pay benefits to people with disabilities, but would be required for measures which negatively impact people with a disability, such as reducing or suspending payments to those who fail to meet mutual obligation requirements due to their disability where that disability is a drug or alcohol dependency.

2.518         The previous analysis stated that it was unclear from the limited information provided in the statement of compatibility as to why such a broad exemption is required for all social security laws, given section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act.

2.519         The committee therefore sought further information from the minister as to how the broad exemption of all social security law is permissible under international law, in particular why such an exemption is required in view of section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act.

Minister's response

2.520         In response to the committee's questions in this regard, the minister's response provides that:

The Disability Discrimination Act 1992 plays a vital role in protecting people with disability from unfair treatment and promoting equal rights, opportunity and access. These changes are required to align social security and disability discrimination law to ensure consistent treatment in relation to social security entitlements.

Payments under social security law are made to eligible people on the basis of a variety of factors such as their health, disability, age, income and asset levels. This ensures that Australia's social security system is targeted based on people's circumstances and need.

As noted in the Explanatory Memorandum, the Social Security Act 1991 has been exempt from the operation of the disability discrimination law since the Disability Discrimination Act commenced in 1992. This ensures that pensions and allowances, including for those with disability, can be appropriately targeted to particular groups without this being considered discriminatory.

The amendments at Schedule 18 will ensure that this existing exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act in relation to pensions and allowances applies consistently to all of the social security law, in line with its original intent. This does not change eligibility for payments under social security law (which will continue to be appropriately targeted according to their purpose) or the broader protections that the Disability Discrimination Act provides to people with disability.

Section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act is designed to ensure that special measures - i.e. programs, facilities, employment opportunities that exist and are limited to people with disabilities in order to particularly support their participation are not considered to be discriminatory under the Act. Special measures could be considered a form of positive discrimination towards people with disabilities. This section of the Act does not relate to the exemption of social security law from the Disability Discrimination Act.

The Government considers that the appropriate ways of ensuring that the disability discrimination law applies consistently across social security law is through the amendments proposed at Schedule 18.

2.521         The minister's response explains that the purpose of the measure is to align social security and disability discrimination law to ensure consistent treatment in relation to social security entitlements, noting that the Social Security Act 1991 has been exempt from the operation of the disability discrimination law since the Disability Discrimination Act commenced in 1992. The minister further states that section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act does not relate to the exemption from social security law from the Disability Discrimination Act.

2.522         However, as noted in the previous analysis, under international human rights law, exemptions for differential treatment are permissible where they constitute a 'special measure', that is, a specific measure 'necessary to accelerate or achieve the de facto equality of persons with disabilities'.[237] Special measures are generally measures granting a benefit or preference to members of a disadvantaged group, designed to advance the rights of members of those groups. Accordingly, it is permissible (and not discriminatory under international human rights law) to provide social security arrangements specifically for the benefit of persons with disabilities. Section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act reflects this and would appear to allow Australia’s social security system to be targeted based on people’s circumstances and need and provide adequate levels of support for persons with disabilities. It is not apparent, from the perspective of measures benefitting persons with disabilities, why the exemption in the proposed measure is necessary to align social security laws and disability discrimination law. 

2.523         What the proposed measure would allow is laws or government action which may adversely impact people with a disability, such as reducing or suspending payments to those who fail to meet mutual obligation requirements due to their disability. Insofar as the proposed measure would permit the government to take social security measures which adversely impact persons with disabilities, as a form of either direct or indirect discrimination, it falls outside permissible ‘special measures’ and may therefore be incompatible with the right to equality and non-discrimination.

Committee response

2.524        The committee thanks the minister for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.525        The exemption from the Disability Discrimination Act could be compatible with the right to social security insofar as Australia's social security system is appropriately targeted based on need and provides adequate levels of support for persons with a disability. However, it is noted that the application of section 45 of the Disability Discrimination Act would allow for social security measures benefitting persons with disabilities without such measures constituting discrimination. The proposed exemption may therefore be overly broad in allowing for measures that adversely impact persons with disabilities, noting that special measures under international human rights law must have the object of advancing the rights of members of vulnerable groups. Accordingly, the measure may be incompatible with the right to equality and non-discrimination.

Treasury Laws Amendment (Agricultural Lending Data) Regulations 2017 [F2017L00706]

Background

2.526         The committee first reported on the Treasury Laws Amendment (Agricultural Lending Data) Regulations 2017 [F2017L00706] (the regulations) in its Report 9 of 2017, and requested a response from the treasurer by 20 September 2017.[238]

2.527         The treasurer's response to the committee's inquiries was received on 29 September 2017. The response is discussed below and is reproduced in full at Appendix 3.

Power to collect and disclose information

2.528         Under the Financial Sector (Collection of Data) Act 2001 (FSCDA), information may be collected from a financial sector entity (such as banks) by the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) for the purpose of assisting another financial sector agency to perform its functions or exercise its powers.

2.529         The regulations prescribe the department administering the Agricultural and Veterinary Chemicals Act 1994 (presently, the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources) as a 'financial sector agency' for the purposes of the FSCDA. The regulations thereby extend APRA's powers to collect and disclose information in respect of the department.

2.530         Currently, it is an offence under section 56(2) of the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998 (APRA Act) for an APRA officer to directly or indirectly disclose protected documents and information.[239] However, there is an exception to this offence under section 56(5) of the APRA Act where a disclosure will assist an agency specified by regulation to perform its functions or exercise its powers and the disclosure is to that agency.[240] The regulations also specify the department as an agency for the purposes of section 56(5) of the APRA Act.  

Compatibility of the measure with the right to privacy

2.531         The right to privacy includes respect for informational privacy, including the right to respect private information, particularly the storing, use and sharing of personal information; and the right to control the dissemination of information about one's private life.  

2.532         The initial human rights analysis stated that, by extending APRA's powers to collect and disclose information to the department, the measure engages and limits the right to privacy. The statement of compatibility for the regulations notes that the amendments will allow APRA to collect and disclose to the department data on debt held by the agricultural sector. The statement of compatibility acknowledges that this information from financial sector entities may include personal information, including the borrowing and lending activities of agricultural sector participants.[241]

2.533         The right to privacy may be subject to permissible limitations which are provided by law and are not arbitrary. In order for limitations not to be arbitrary, they must seek to achieve a legitimate objective and be rationally connected and proportionate to achieving that objective.

2.534         The statement of compatibility states that the regulations do 'not engage any of the applicable rights or freedoms'.[242] However, while the statement of compatibility does not specifically acknowledge that the measure engages and limits the right to privacy, it nevertheless concludes that the collection and sharing of personal information arising from the regulations does not constitute an arbitrary or unlawful interference with the right to privacy as:

The collection and sharing will be conducted lawfully and in furtherance of legitimate policy goals. It will have the defined and limited purpose of assisting [the department] to perform its functions and exercise its powers.

2.535         No further information is provided in the statement of compatibility to justify this limitation.

2.536         It was noted that the explanatory statement nevertheless provides some information as to the objective of the measure:

The Government seeks to improve the quality of available data on debt held by the agricultural sector in order to support policies that better target assistance measures to farmers. More specifically, over time, the improved data would enable the Government to better target assistance measures such as concessional loans, the Rural Financial Counselling Service and a nationally consistent Farm Debt Mediation scheme. It may also assist with developing and implementing other assistance measures, such as mental health and social support measures, community development measures and income support measures.[243]

2.537         As the initial analysis noted, providing means through which policies may better target assistance measures to farmers is likely to be a legitimate objective for the purposes of international human rights law. The collection and disclosure of information also appears to be rationally connected to this objective, insofar as such information may assist the department exercising its powers and functions.

2.538         However, it was unclear from the information provided in the statement of compatibility that the measures impose a proportionate limitation on the right to privacy in pursuit of that stated objective. In particular, the statement of compatibility provides no information as to whether there are adequate safeguards in place with respect to the exercise of this power.

2.539         Laws that interfere with the right to privacy must specify in detail the precise circumstances in which such interferences may be permitted.[244] As set out above, section 56(5) of the APRA Act allows a person to disclose protected information or documents (which may include personal information) when the person is satisfied that the disclosure will assist the department to perform its functions or exercise its powers. While the APRA Act restricts disclosure to circumstances where disclosure will assist the department to perform its functions or exercise its powers, the regulations do not provide any guidance as to how, and under what circumstances, a person may be 'satisfied' that the disclosure of information would assist the department.

2.540         Further, the power for information to be collected or disclosed to assist the department 'to perform its functions or exercise its powers' is broader than the stated purpose of the measure (to promote policies that provide assistance to farmers through the collection and disclosure of data on debt in the agriculture sector). In these respects, the previous analysis assessed that the regulations appear to be overly broad with respect to the stated objective and do not appear to provide satisfactory legal safeguards.

2.541         Further, limitations on the right to privacy must be no more extensive than what is strictly necessary to achieve the legitimate objective of the measure. The statement of compatibility does not examine whether there are less rights restrictive ways to achieve the objective of the measure, including any safeguards that may apply in relation to the sharing of personal information.

2.542         The committee therefore sought the advice of the treasurer as to whether the limitation is a proportionate measure for the achievement of the stated objective (including whether the measure is sufficiently circumscribed and whether there are adequate and effective safeguards with respect to the right to privacy).

Treasurer's response

2.543         The treasurer's response provides the following information in relation to the committee's inquiries:

The Regulations allow the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) to collect data on debt held by the agricultural sector and share it with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources (DAWR) for the purpose of assisting DAWR to perform its functions and exercise its powers. This is consistent with existing arrangements for APRA to collect and share financial sector information with the Australian Bureau of Statistics and the Department of Health.

I consider that the limitations on the right to privacy imposed by the Regulations are reasonable for the achievement of the stated objective and that there are adequate and effective safeguards in place with respect to the right to privacy.

As the Committee notes, the explanatory statement identifies improved targeting of assistance measures to farmers as an objective of the Regulations. Reflecting this, the relevant reporting standard (ARS 750.0) only seeks to collect information on the amount and nature of debt at a state and agricultural activity level.

In addition to the recent public consultation on the collection of the data, APRA will consult further on the publication of statistics on agricultural lending later this year. This will provide a further opportunity to address any concerns about confidentiality.

In collecting, sharing and using the information in question, APRA and DAWR must comply with the Privacy Act 1988 ('Privacy Act') and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998 ('APRA Act').

To support compliance, APRA and DAWR are entering into a Cooperative Working Agreement that outlines the two agencies' use of the data. This covers DAWR's policies and procedures to maintain the confidentiality of data, and stipulates that DAWR will only publicly release data obtained from APRA if that data is prepared by APRA for public release, consistent with its obligations. APRA will prepare that data in such a way that it will not be possible to derive information relating to any particular person.

When preparing that data for public release, APRA will comply with its internal policy and procedure for the Release of Statistics, which exceeds the legal requirements in the APRA Act and the Privacy Act. This policy contains further measures to ensure confidentiality and privacy are maintained when releasing the data publicly, including a privacy risk assessment and a confidentiality analysis that measures an entity's representation in a statistic.

In addition to the above, the application of the Australian Public Service Code of Conduct to APRA and DAWR provides for additional protection of confidential information.

2.544         On the basis of the information provided in the treasurer's response, on balance, the measure appears likely to be a proportionate limit on the right to privacy. The information provided by the treasurer that the relevant reporting standard (ARS 750.00) only seeks to collect information on the amount and nature of debt at a state and agricultural level clarifies that the collection and disclosure may only occur for that narrow purpose, which is consistent with the legitimate objective of the measure (to promote policies that provide assistance to farmers through the collection and disclosure of data on debt in the agriculture sector).

2.545         The further information provided by the treasurer in relation to compliance with the Privacy Act 1988 and the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority Act 1998, as well as the additional measures taken by APRA together with the Department of Agriculture and Water Resources to protect confidentiality when preparing any data for public release, indicates that there are likely to be adequate safeguards in place in relation to the sharing of personal information. While the treasurer's response did not specifically address how, and under what circumstances, a person may be 'satisfied' that the disclosure of information would assist the department, on balance it appears that any limitation on the right to privacy is proportionate.

Committee response

2.546        The committee thanks the treasurer for his response and has concluded its examination of this issue.

2.547        The committee notes that, on the basis of the information provided and the preceding analysis, the measure appears likely to be compatible with the right to privacy.

Mr Ian Goodenough MP
Chair

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