Drug testing

Information about drug testing and what it means when you're looking for work and getting a benefit.

When you're on a benefit with an obligation to look for work, you have to take and pass any drug test potential employers or training providers require. 

If you don't do this, you may not meet your work obligations and your benefit could be reduced or stopped. This includes if:

  • a suitable job is available and you tell us you can't apply as you think you'll fail the drug test
  • you refuse to take the drug test for a suitable job or course, or
  • you fail the drug test for a suitable job or course you've been referred to.

You have to take a drug test if:

  • you apply for a job and an employer needs you to pass a pre-employment drug test as part of them employing you, or
  • you're doing employment-related training and the training provider uses drug tests as part of the admission process. For example, you need to do a drug test to get your heavy truck licence.

In some circumstances we will not refer you to jobs that need a drug test. This includes if we know that you are:

  • dependent on, or addicted to, drugs
  • undergoing or waiting for drug addiction or dependence treatment, or
  • taking prescription medication that could cause you to fail a drug test.

Employers and training providers have to provide a safe working environment for their employees and students. This means drug testing may be necessary if an employee or student's ability to do their job can impact on the safety of themselves or others.

Pre-employment drug tests are common in industries such as fishing, horticulture, transport and forestry.

We’ll tell you if the job or training course requires a drug test before we refer you to it. Your employer or training provider will organise the test for you.

Tell us straight away if you think you may not pass the drug test.

If you pass the test, you won’t need to pay for it.

Before you take the test

Before you take the drug test, the person overseeing the test will explain:

  • the type of test they’re using
  • how the test works, and
  • when you’ll know if you’ve passed or not.

Types of drug tests

Drug tests are completed under a national drug testing standard. There are 2 types of tests, both usually needing a urine sample:

  • a screening test, and
  • an evidential test.

Most employers will only do the first screening test. This generally provides them with enough information to make a decision on whether to employ you or not.

Screening test

This is 98% accurate and shows within about 5 minutes if your urine has tested positive for drugs.

It costs between $30 and $70. If you pass the drug test, you won’t need to pay for it.

Evidential test

This is 99.9% accurate and shows what type of drug and how much is in the sample.

Your test sample would be sent away to a laboratory with the results being given to you some time later.

It costs around $120. If you pass the drug test, you won’t need to pay for it.

Give a urine sample

You will usually give your urine sample in a specially prepared toilet area. This area is designed to ensure your privacy while keeping the sample safe from tampering or contamination. This will be done under strictly controlled conditions.

If you fail a drug test, the person overseeing the test will:

  • discuss the result with you
  • ask you whether you accept the result, and confirm it if you do
  • ask you to sign a confirmation form agreeing to the result.

If you don't agree with the result, talk to the person overseeing the test straight away. They may agree for you to do another test to confirm the result.

What happens to your benefit

What you'll need to do depends on how many times you've failed a drug test without a good reason. We will always tell you what you'll need to do before you have a test.

First time you fail a drug test

If it's the first time, then:

  • you'll have to pay us back for the cost of the failed drug test. This cost will be taken out of your benefit in weekly payments.
  • you'll have to agree to stop using drugs so you can pass another drug test in the future.

Second time you fail a drug test

If it's the second time, then you must pass a third drug test within 25 working days.

  • We'll talk to you about approved drug testing providers and you'll need to arrange the third drug test yourself.
  • You'll need to pay for the third test, regardless of whether you pass or fail it. We can help pay for your third test but you'll have to pay us back and it will be taken out of your benefit in weekly payments. 

Third time you fail a drug test

If it's the third time, or you don't take and pass a drug test within 25 working days, then your benefit will:

  • be paid at 50% for 13 weeks if you have dependent children, or
  • stop for 13 weeks if you don't have dependent children.

Your benefit may be restarted earlier than 13 weeks if:

  • you agree to take part in an approved activity for at least 6 weeks, and
  • you're still entitled to the benefit.