Read on Twitter
I will be tweeting the @AuSenate hearing into the Cashless Debit Card Bill today for @PWDAustralia at 9AM AEDT.
If you're tuning in and want to #StopTheCDC, let me know!
If you're tuning in and want to #StopTheCDC, let me know!
If you're wanting to watch the hearing, and be part of the Twitter conversation, you can watch it here: https://www.aph.gov.au/news_and_events/watch_parliament
Please let me know if you are tweeting and want to #StopTheCDC!
Please let me know if you are tweeting and want to #StopTheCDC!
The #StopTheCDC hearing has began and the Chair of the Committee, Sen. Wendy Askew is now making opening remarks. Opening statements from witnesses from Profs Jon Altman, Tony Dreise Dr Janet Hunt and Dr Francis Markham.
Altman reminds the Committee in his opening statement that there is a fundamental inconsistency between what the Productivity Commission recommended, and and "far reaching Bill" currently being considered by the Committee #StopTheCDC @aimnau
Altman says he is concerned that the rollout of the Cashless Debit Card, because it "lacks nuanced debate", is politically charged, and has too many vested interests. Altman is concerned that this rolling out the CDC will lead to a #RoboDebt like fiasco #StopTheCDC @ACOSS
Prof. Dreise, a proud Indigenous man and from the ANU Centre for Aboriginal Economic Policy Research, reminds the Committee of @ScottMorrisonMP's words that he committed to involving #FirstNations people in the policies and laws that effects them #StopTheCDC
Dreise says there is no positive benefit on First Nations people, and the Bll is an affront to thee commitment of working WITH #FirstNations people and evidence-based policy #StopTheCDC
APO NT is now speaking and making an opening statement. They become that compulsory incomement management has been a vehicle for discrimination against #FirstNations people. It's paternalistic, and will not deliver for #FirstNation people in the NT #StopTheCDC
APO NT again reminds the commitment for shared decision making that @ScottMorrisonMP agreed to with the peaks, and is concerned how it will entrench the status quo #StopTheCDC
APO NT reiterates the rushed nature of the Bill & lack of consultation with affected communities. It is a direct affront to the self-determination of #FirstNations people. The the Bill will undermine @ScottMorrisonMP's commitment to #ClosingTheGap #StopTheCDC
APO NT says compulsory income managment has been in placed in the NT for 13 years, and there has been no benefit to #FirstNations people #StopTheCDC
Sen McCarthy has now asked Prof. Altman to elaborate his comments regarding the Productivity Commission's recommendations. Altman clarifies that the PC called for the role for clear evaluation of #FirstNations policy, and for evidence-based policy should be replicated #StopTheCDC
Altman reinterate CDC has not been properly evaluated and the evidence for it does not exist. On this basis, it goes against the PC's recommendations. Prof. Dreise also says that there isn't a culture of evaluation, with PMC people terrible at evaluation #StopTheCDC
Altman also reaffirms that #FirstNations voices and perspectives MUST be at the centre in policy decision-making on policies that affect them. The CDC is contrary to this #StopTheCDC
Sen McCarthy asked about Adelaide University evaluation. Prof. Dreise replies/clarifies that the PC's recommendations called for affected communities to be active participants in evaluations and not mere objects. The Adelaide University evaluation did not achieve this #StopTheCDC
Sen McCarthy is now asking about the role of ASIC and whether it's illegal for unsolicitied debit cards to be issued. Witnesses can't provide legal evidence but Altman questions whether a required "no action" letter was issued by ASIC. to extend the trial #StopTheCDC
Sen McCarthy asks what advice APO NT would give to the Committee. CEO John Paterson has just joined and is answering the question. He states this provides a strong opportunity to establish effective engagement to address a whole range of systematic issues #StopTheCDC
Paterson says #FirstNations people want to not rely on income support and to be employed. The Aboriginal peaks have been "so creative", and there has been no committment to genuine engagement. They want this - so why can't we give it to them? #StopTheCDC
@SenatorSiewert asks if the CDC is supported by NT #FirstNations people. Paterson simply says they don't want it. He urges the Committee to consider how CDC funding can be redirected toward housing, health and education, that isn't being invested in #StopTheCDC
@SenatorSiewert asks why the CDC is going forward, if there is no evidence for it to proceed? Altman clarifies says this is a difficult question, and that income management was one of many suggested measures. He also states that $1B+ in CDC has had no material benefit #StopTheCDC
Prof Markham says that pursuing the CDC demonstrates a lack of commitment to structural changes, despite the lack of evidence and evaluation. That's why the Bill is being put forward by the Govt #StopTheCDC
Paterson from APO NT focuses again on how social programs can lift #FirstNations people to have the capacity to lead and work with their communities. This is the spirit of #ClosingTheGap agreement, connecting to his earlier point that CDC will undermine the agreement #StopTheCDC
@SenatorSiewert asks Paterson if he says the CDC has being ideologically driven. He says absolutely yes! #FirstNations people "see no light" for the Bill, and in fact makes things worse!!! #StopTheCDC
@Senator_Patrick now asks about the difference between the CDC and the Basic Card. Prof Hunt says they're very similiar, and all differences are on the margin. They are essentially the same product #StopTheCDC
@Senator_Patrick asks what negatives the CDC have. Prof Hunt says one of the negatives is that the Basics card prevent tobacco purchases, and the CDC card doesn't, raising health issues. Otherwise, they are the same.
