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Labor will oppose the Government’s #CashlessDebitCard legislation when it returns to the House of Representatives today.
A watered-down version of the Government’s cashless debit card legislation passed the Senate in the early hours of this morning.
The Government’s amendments are a clear concession and acknowledgement that there is significant community anxiety about this card.
This Government has consistently failed to prove this works. And it has refused to release the much anticipated $2.5 million University of Adelaide evaluation.
This has caused significant hardship on people placed on this card. Many have been prevented from purchasing basics and essentials at affordable prices.
It is also structurally racist – with two thirds of participants being First Nations Australians – 83 per cent in the Northern Territory.
You only need to read Bridget Archer’s speech to the parliament to be reminded of the anxiety in the community about this card.
The question now is – what happens next? It is clear that the Government is determined to expand this card – a national rollout.
The Prime Minister has foreshadowed a national roll out of the cashless debit card. And so has the Social Services Minister.
Matt Canavan and Andrew Wallace are outright calling for a national roll out of the #CashlessDebitCard
The Government has refused to rule out extending the #CashlessDebitCard to new areas and more people.
