Mr David Coleman MP, Federal Member for Banks hosted Christian Porter MP, the Minister for Social Services at a welfare and social services forum in Peakhurst on 22 August.
The forum, attended by around 70 local residents was held at Grandviews Bowling Club on Forest Road in Peakhurst.
Earlier in the day Mr Coleman had joined Minister Porter, along with Human Services minister Alan Tudge, in Bankstown to announce a trial aimed at helping job seekers overcome drug problems.
Addressing the forum Minister Porter said “This drug testing trial is focused entirely on helping job seekers overcome drug problems and to receive the help they need to get on a path towards securing a job and building a better future for themselves and their families.”
Attendees who took the opportunity to talk to the Minister about the new trial were very supportive of the drug testing plan.
“This policy has been carefully considered and designed to ensure that it is focused on identifying and helping people with drug abuse issues,” Mr Coleman said.
Attendees also took the opportunity discuss other issues related to the Social Services portfolio such as the Disability Support Pension and the NDIS rollout as well as Aged Pensions, the Pension Guide and other resources for seniors.
“It was good to have the Minister here in Banks to talk to local residents about the issues that most concern them,” Mr Coleman said.