A Senate Inquiry into extending welfare-quarantining across the whole of the Northern Territory and the nation, and reinstating the Racial Discrimination Act in the NT will conduct hearings beginning in Darwin today.
It comes as a result of Australian Greens referring the legislation to a committee inquiry to ensure proper scrutiny of radical Commonwealth government plans to effectively roll-out unproven social policy nationwide.
"I find it incredible that this government would push one of the biggest social reforms ever made in this country with no proper evidence that it actually works," said Greens community services spokesperson Senator Rachel Siewert.
"All we've seen so far is shoddy attempts to try and convince people that income management is good for Aboriginal people on the premise that they can't manage themselves.
"Their way around claims that this is discriminatory, is to move to apply it to others on income support, like single mothers and the unemployed, in designated areas right around the country.
"The Greens have been opposed to compulsory income management from the start. We think it goes too far. It's paternalistic and interferes with people's fundamental rights and liberties.
"We stand alongside the community sector in demanding a more collaborative and respectful way forward in our attempt to deal with entrenched disadvantage.
"Groups like ACOSS, NTCOSS, Anglicare, National Council of Churches, St Vincent de Paul Society, Human Rights Law Resource Centre and many others have all expressed deep concern in their submissions to this inquiry."
St Vincent de Paul said, "The Society is concerned that the extension of compulsory income management is a cynical manoeuvre to get around the Racial Discrimination Act. This is insulting to the people we stand in solidarity with."
"I urge all Territorians to come and hear these groups and be part of this important process," Senator Siewert said.
Media Contact: Fernando de Freitas 0417 174 302
Hearing in Darwin Monday 15th February 9am-5.30pm Darwin Convention Centre; hearing in Alice Springs Wednesday 17th February 9am-5.30pm Chifley Resort.
http://www.aph.gov.au/Senate/committee/clac_ctte/soc_sec_welfare_reform_...