Today John Howard announced that illicit drug uses convicted of a drug-related offence would have any welfare payments quarantined.

I’d love to hear your thoughts. The first that came to mind for me is the increase in crime that would occur with such an initiative. Although someone on welfare with a heavy addiction won’t be able to fund their habit that way, its fair to assume that at with even less cash at hand, crime will become an even more necessary option. I wonder if the broader public thinks of that if they even notice the announcement. The only other certainty is that the ALP won’t refute the proposal – more ‘me-too’ I would expect.

The Liberals’ full ‘Tough On Drugs’ policy for the election can be found here