Discover how Peter Dutton's latest Centrelink proposal could affect your benefits!

Navigating the complexities of Centrelink can be a challenge for many Australians, especially our senior community members who rely on welfare for their livelihood.

It's crucial to stay informed about any changes that could impact your benefits. Recently, Peter Dutton, the leader of the opposition, has made headlines with his pledge to reintroduce a controversial measure that could significantly alter the way welfare is managed for recipients in Indigenous communities.

This proposal has sparked widespread debate, with supporters arguing it promotes responsible spending, while critics raise concerns about its potential to condemn vulnerable groups. As discussions continue, understanding the implications of such policies becomes increasingly crucial for all affected individuals.


The cashless welfare card, a system initially rolled out in 2016, is designed to restrict how welfare payments can be spent.

The card aims to prevent money from being used on alcohol, gambling, and tobacco by quarantining up to 80 per cent of welfare payments.


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Peter Dutton's proposal reintroduced the cashless debit card for welfare recipients in Indigenous communities. Credit: Depositphotos


Only the remaining 20 per cent is deposited into recipients' bank accounts, ensuring the bulk of the funds are spent on essentials like groceries.

During its trial between 2019 and 2021 in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region, the card reportedly blocked over $400,000 from spending on prohibited items.

Proponents of the card argue that it helps to reduce substance abuse and associated social issues within vulnerable communities.


However, the card has been a subject of intense debate. Critics, including the current Labor government, argue that it infringes on personal autonomy and has failed to achieve its goals.

Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth pointed out that the card's restrictions adversely affected many people's lives.

‘So many people's lives were adversely affected because they couldn't access enough cash...to be able to live their life,’ she claimed.

The Labor government, led by Prime Minister Anthony Albanese, scrapped the welfare card shortly after coming into power in 2022.

The move was supported by findings from the Parliamentary Budget Office, which projected a saving of almost $290 million over four years by discontinuing the card.


Despite the opposition from the government, Peter Dutton is steadfast in his commitment to reintroduce the cashless debit card, particularly in Indigenous communities.

He believed that, with proper consultation, the card can ensure that children receive the support they deserve from their parents.

Dutton has also promised to hold a Royal Commission into sexual abuse in Indigenous communities and to conduct a full audit of spending on Indigenous programs to address inefficiencies.

‘There are communities where safety, housing, health, education and employment are critical issues,’ he said.

‘That's where our efforts must be targeted.’


As the federal election looms, with a date yet to be set but required by 17 May at the latest, Dutton and Albanese are hitting the campaign trail with their respective promises and policy proposals.

For our members who are Centrelink recipients, it's essential to understand how these potential changes could affect you.

While the cashless welfare card is unavailable, its reintroduction could significantly shift how you receive and spend your benefits.

It's a reminder of the importance of staying engaged with political developments and advocating for policies that respect the dignity and autonomy of all individuals, regardless of their financial situation.
Key Takeaways

  • Peter Dutton has proposed the reintroduction of the cashless debit card for welfare recipients in Indigenous communities to prevent spending on alcohol and gambling.
  • The card quarantines 80 per cent of a recipient's income and blocked over $400,000 on prohibited items during a Bundaberg and Hervey Bay trial from 2019 to 2021.
  • The current government led by Anthony Albanese scrapped the welfare card shortly after coming to power in 2022, with Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth stating it was 'time to give people their autonomy back'.
  • Dutton's plans are part of his campaign promises as he and Prime Minister Anthony Albanese are on the election trail, with an election to be held no later than 17 May.
Have you or someone you know been affected by the cashless welfare system? What are your concerns or opinions on the proposed reintroduction of the card? Your insights are valuable. Feel free to share them in the comments below.
 

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He also said he would rescind the recent income tax changes in favour of the top end of town, or regardless of bans etc you will have a nuclear power plant in your vicinity, he proposed war with China, but ultimately it won't really matter what any of you think or want about this or any other subject if he were allowed to govern, he's a Dictator. Perhaps that's what weak Australians deserve, I for one enjoy my freedoms, they have cost enough, and if we don't resist this he will sell out the rest of Oz to his capitalist mates then go live OS like his predecessor imo.
Don't you just love conspiracy theorists.
 
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'Despite the opposition from the government, Peter Dutton is steadfast in his commitment to reintroduce the cashless debit card, particularly in Indigenous communities.'
I read the abovementioned article. Dutton quotes 'particularly in' but does not mention ' PRECLUDES' other welfare participants, which means that at some stage, this will 'include 'ALL welfare cardholders.
In your opinion, not because it was stated.
 
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It is not what is said but what is NOT SAID.. Read between the lines....
So you think everytime somebody makes a statement we have to look for the hidden meaning?
I don't have the time for such rubbish .
Who spends their time worrying about something somebody didn’t say??
You need to get a hobby.
 
Well Mr Dutton, if you bring back the Cashless Card then be prepared to lose the Election. While in some instances it was good, people don't like being told how to spend their money. Wake up. This will not win you an election.
 
Well Mr Dutton, if you bring back the Cashless Card then be prepared to lose the Election. While in some instances it was good, people don't like being told how to spend their money. Wake up. This will not win you an election.
Labor was bringing it back - check back from 2020
 
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Well Mr Dutton, if you bring back the Cashless Card then be prepared to lose the Election. While in some instances it was good, people don't like being told how to spend their money. Wake up. This will not win you an election.
You'd be amazed how many people are for it, including aboriginal elders.
The % of people affected by this is minimal, the majority vote. People it doesn't affect just don't really care one way or the other, if it doesn't affect them, when it comes to voting.
 
Those who will be issued the cards will still find ways of getting alcohol into their communities the card will only make it harder and may not prevent domestic voilance only make it worse because there is a lot less alcohol and the people will be suffering from with drawls and will take it out on their families or those in their community
 
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Well Mr Dutton, if you bring back the Cashless Card then be prepared to lose the Election. While in some instances it was good, people don't like being told how to spend their money. Wake up. This will not win you an election.
It’s already in, and it’s only for indigenous people because they spend it all on alchol other wise !
wake up !!
bloody leftist
 
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