2016-01-29
Ceduna residents planning to leave town to avoid the cashless welfare card trial may not be aware that they cannot opt out once the trial has begun, Senator Rachel Siewert said today.
“A Ceduna resident with disability who does not drink or gamble indicated his intention to leave Ceduna when speaking to media today.
“Residents on income support may not be aware that once it has started, they are stuck on the trial even if they leave town.
“This is particularly concerning because towns outside of Ceduna do not have the infrastructure for the card.
“If residents have relocated and lose their card, they are not able to access 80% of their income support from the bank. We don’t know how long it will take for them to receive a replacement card.
“During the inquiry into the trials it was clear that there were major logistical gaps when people left the trial sites. This card is set to hurt people that are doing the right thing and don’t wish to be punished for accessing income support. We can do better than this”.