2015-12-07
The Government should listen to concerns expressed in the Social Justice and Native Title Report 2015 and reconsider the rollout of the cashless welfare card, which is scheduled to roll out in three trial zones next year.
“Social Justice Commissioner Mick Gooda has previously expressed deep concern about the impacts of the cashless welfare card, this is echoed once again in this report”, said Australian Greens Senator Rachel Siewert.
“Last year Commissioner Gooda denounced the card as ‘one of the most radical welfare reforms ever proposed in Australia’. It is disappointing that despite this, the Government pressed on with the card.
“I have said before that the cashless welfare card is income management on steroids. The report notes that the cashless welfare card resembles the BasicsCard - a controversial aspect of the NT intervention which has failed to reduce disadvantage.
“Communities facing significant challenges need genuine social services that help individuals deal with the challenges they are facing. Limiting cash will not stop alcohol or substance abuse, people will find other ways to access alcohol.
“Properly funded long-term detox and rehab services, wrap around services that meet people’s needs, early intervention supports, addressing the causes of disadvantage, better controls on the supply of alcohol all help address this terrible problem.
“The Government should abandon its patronising, ideologically driven approach that hurts rather than helps”.