Tasmanian federal MP Brett Whiteley wants random drug testing for long-term welfare recipients.

Mr Whiteley, who holds the marginal north-west seat of Braddon, said the Federal Government had not dismissed his proposal.

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He said he had been lobbying the Treasurer and the Minister for Social Services.

“They understand the issue is of concern in the community and they have not dismissed the idea out of hand,” he said.

“There are hundreds if not thousands of people in Braddon that are randomly drug tested every year and I don’t think it’s too much to ask.

“If you’ve got nothing to hide, you’ve got nothing to worry about.”

But the Tasmanian Council of Social Service (TasCOSS) has attacked the proposal, saying it would further marginalise vulnerable people in the community.

TasCOSS’s Kym Goodes said the proposal would stigmatise welfare recipients.

“If this is what we’re going to see during a federal election campaign in Tasmania, it’s a very disappointing start by Brett Whiteley,” she said.

“This issue is a human rights issue, everyone who is looking for employment or any sort of financial support is entitled to a safety net.”