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.

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.

 

[Jest]

@siameezer, what a jokester you are!
1. I don’t need to get f*cked. I get plenty.
2. I’m not silly. Well, just on rare occasions.
3. I’m not a moron. Quite the contrary.

WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO oops skite about their sexual prowess it usually means they do not have any.

 

[gordon1940]

Despite the opposition from the government, Peter Dutton is steadfast in his commitment to reintroduce the cashless debit card, particularly in Indigenous communities.
Dutton is determined to divide the nation to get votes
1st do away with their flag-- the emotion runs hot on both sides and Dutton wins votes
next this card crap-- by not paying the full benefit, he is actually stealing their money to balance his failing economic policies- IT is their entitlement and again divide to get votes
Yes they are not the best at money management but then again you have to ask, why are so many others seeking help when they have good jobs and are in a position to do better-- why are so many getting help from charities
The problem is across society but Dutton is focusing it on one section
This country cannot afford another term of Dutton and the LNP , American politics of corruption, lies and mismanagement
The card is out , saved hundreds of millions by doing so, and Dutton was to waste money again-- the man is a loser

I believe in the Aged Pension and, as I still pay Tax, it is beholding of me to contribute to the Scheme. However, the Pension is really not an Entitlement, it is a Taxpayer funded Benefit distributed by the Government to assist those who did not, or could not provide for Retirement. It is not "their" money.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

I don't know exactly how this cashless card works but it says that 80% goes into the bank so what's stopping people going to the atm and withdrawing cash or their bank card to buy the alcohol and drugs. It may be OK for gambling but they can use their own personal debit card for that too.

 

[Reet]

This is entirely the wrong thing to do. Some of us do not spend money on alcoholic, tobacco and gambling and have never done so. This means we will be penalised for the wrong reasons such as losing any interest we may have gained from the full pension being deposited into our accounts.

 

[Rosi Gordon]

This was tested in areas where high gambling was.

They are not saying its for everyone, they are saying certain areas. And I'm all for it, why should a person receive a government payment only to go and waste most of it on alcohol and gambling.

A friend of mine lives in an area with a high population of indigenous people and told me how come pension day the pubs would be full and so are the parks. Their money is then spent quickly on alcohol leaving no money for food or bills.

The crime rate is very high. Its a common thing to catch a trying to break in or trying to steal sonethibg from your property
I spent a few days visiting her and saw for myself. She grew up in Bowraville NSW next to Macksville, and moved back to look after her parents and after they passed away decided to stay.

This problem isn't just with those receiving a pension but also those receiving any government payment.

Then when they have wasted their payment on alcohol and gambling there is nothing left to feed their kids.

I'm not saying its only a problem with indigenous people ,it's a problem across the board . But with indigenous its a community problem not just an individual

Pensions and payments are there to help you survive and pay rent abd purchase food not to be used on gambling abd alcohol

Not only indigenous communities it's everywhere but people with gambling, alcohol and drug habits will still find a way usually through crime to get what they want. I believe that this card will only make matters worse not better as it doesn't solve anything in the long run.

 

[AlleyCat]

what about all the money wasted on government spending????????
NO COMMENT YOUR HONOR!!!!! yeah, what a laugh!!
They are trying to get us to pay for their phenomenal financial blunders that left the country almost destitute...eg...look at all the taxes forced into action at the moment, not to mention needless bank fees and with regards to maintenance to our roads...isn't that SUPPOSED to be included in our registration?...again...yeah right! What a fu.##ed up government we have. they should go over to Japan or Norway or any of those countries that have got it right and learn from them instead
of filling their own pockets and bank accounts. SHAME SHAME SHAME !!!!!!!!!!

 

[mylittletibbies]

WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO oops skite about their sexual prowess it usually means they do not have any.

I found quite the opposite with my ex.
In fact I ended up telling him that if he wanted to tell all and sundry what went on in our bedroom then nothing would be going on.
That soon shut him up LOL

 

[DLHM]

WHEN SOMEONE HAS TO oops skite about their sexual prowess it usually means they do not have any.

Sexual “prowess”? Have a look at the definition. I didn’t say anything about my ability or skill etc.

Besides, my reply was not directed at you. I was replying to someone who tried to insult me by calling me names.

You can join @siameezer at trying to offend me if you like.

 

[Kelpie]

Well, there has to be accountability for all the Billions of dollars handed out to them without even knowing, nor allowed to, to ask for a reconciliation of where all that money is going and spent. We are talking about billions and billions of dollars here that us the taxpayers are paying for it and it is about time that something has to be done about it.
Even Jacinta Price and Warren Mundine has asked for a full audit and ALBO and Chalmers rejected it in full. WHY IS THAT.? Why this cannot be audited when everyone else in other departments are subject to these spending control and accountability.?
I WONDER.!

 

[mylittletibbies]

I don't know exactly how this cashless card works but it says that 80% goes into the bank so what's stopping people going to the atm and withdrawing cash or their bank card to buy the alcohol and drugs. It may be OK for gambling but they can use their own personal debit card for that too.

I'm like you, I don't really understand how it works. I was under the impression that the 80% was used for rent. utilities, etc which I would assume would.be set up as direct debits, but I could be wrong.

 

[Knell]

Love the ‘I’m alright Jack” - “doesn’t affect me”, mentality.
The cashless debit card is most certainly discriminatory and stigmatising The assertion that only Indigenous don’t feed or care for their children/drink/smoke/use drugs etc. is such a misleading and biased narrative. More for the history of ‘Shameful’ Australia/Australians!
Most studies have shown the trial was largely ineffective and harmful.
How many people receive unemployment payments? As at 31 March 2023, 809,700 people (3.8% of the population aged 16 and over)
As at 31 March 2023, 114,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people, received unemployment payments.
The point is there are many more non-indigenous people wasting money. If the card is to be brought in - it should be for all welfare recipients or not at all.
2.6 million on age pension aka welfare - to be included for this card. Pokie rooms are full of oldies.

 

[Knell]

GFY you silly little moron

You have just been subjected to ‘collective bullying’ - by the usual suspects on here…the bottom shelf-ers. Fear not - consistent examples of the “empty vessels make the most noise” syndrome…not to mention the Dunning-Kruger effect.

 

[Eagle01]

Yes most certainly the Cashless Card most definitely needs to urgently be reintroduced! There are so many Regional and out in the Country locations as well as in communities where "Part" and full blood Aboriginals are badly effected by Alcohol and unfortunately (which I and many others observe first hand here on a daily basis!), their out of control children and Offspring are following the same antisocial behaviour! Apart from the Alcohol involved behaviour problems stealing, assaults, verbal & physical abuse, street fighting, break & enter, shoplifting and wilful damage is also out of control and is increasing! This behaviour can also be readily observed here and does by many on a regular basis! I also live here, was born and bred and work here and as mentioned, observe first hand the above behaviours taking place. Both Coles and Woolworths are loosing multiple thousands of dollars every month due the ongoing Shoplifting and theft! So yes, urgently bring back the Card!.

 

[mylittletibbies]

I don't know exactly how this cashless card works but it says that 80% goes into the bank so what's stopping people going to the atm and withdrawing cash or their bank card to buy the alcohol and drugs. It may be OK for gambling but they can use their own personal debit card for that too.

I just did a google search. You are given this debit card which has 80%of your pension on it. Your bills are set up on direct debit from this card and the balance you can spend any place that has EFTPOS facilities, except for stores that sell alcohol or allow gambling.
You still have 20% paid into your own account nobody is stealing any of your pension.
I should imagine you could still shop at Coles and Woolies, they have EFTPOS and their liquor outlets trade under a different name. Why are people saying you can only shop at selected expensive stores??
For people with addiction problems and can't manage their own funds this means that their rent. utilities etc are paid, food is on the table. a roof over your families head.
They still have access to 20%of their pension money from their account
Anybody who spends more than 20% of their income on addictions and deprives their family should hang their heads in shame.
They are given this money for the entire family, not just themselves.
It is unfortunate that others who don't have problems still get caught up in this system, but isn't this just the same as most people live, budget for your expenses, feed yourselves, fuel, etc and save a.bit if possible.
People with addiction problems have no idea how to budget they are just looking for their next fix and they don't care who they hurt to get it.

 

[mylittletibbies]

You have just been subjected to ‘collective bullying’ - by the usual suspects on here…the bottom shelf-ers. Fear not - consistent examples of the “empty vessels make the most noise” syndrome…not to mention the Dunning-Kruger effect.

And you're a top shelfer I guess, one of the goody two shoes brigade.
Two cheers for you!!

 

[Knell]

And you're a top shelfer I guess, one of the goody two shoes brigade.
Two cheers for you!!

Hahaha...knew you would wail...mylittletibbies, the expert - the Indigenous Whisperer LOL

 

[WAZZIE1952]

I stand with Peter Dutton ..... Make Australia Great Again. View attachment 66790

 

[mylittletibbies]

Hahaha...knew you would wail...mylittletibbies, the expert - the Indigenous Whisperer LOL

Sorry if you don't seem to like the fact that I have indigenous friends who themselves have different opinions to you.
My husband and I did restoration work many years ago in Laverton and Leonara.
Have you ever been there. I doubt it.
Have you seen how they have to live.
We.could have had ongoing work forever because as fast as things are repaired they are wrecked again through alcohol fueled violence.
Not always just the men, and the children are neglected, running around the streets at all hours of the night their parents not even aware that they are missing.
This is not all families. there are many wonderful people there but they are all affected nonetheless and the majority of them approved of the card as they said things had improved.
It was also reported that elders in other communities also wanted the card to remain.
If you don't want to believe this that is your prrrogative.
I didn't think I was wailing just asking you a simple question.
You have a very high opinion of yourself.
Calling other members "bottom shelfers",says more about you than them.

I shall wait with bated breath for your return insults.
The Indigenous Whisperer

 

[DLHM]

Love the ‘I’m alright Jack” - “doesn’t affect me”, mentality.
The cashless debit card is most certainly discriminatory and stigmatising The assertion that only Indigenous don’t feed or care for their children/drink/smoke/use drugs etc. is such a misleading and biased narrative. More for the history of ‘Shameful’ Australia/Australians!
Most studies have shown the trial was largely ineffective and harmful.
How many people receive unemployment payments? As at 31 March 2023, 809,700 people (3.8% of the population aged 16 and over)
As at 31 March 2023, 114,800 Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander (First Nations) people, received unemployment payments.
The point is there are many more non-indigenous people wasting money. If the card is to be brought in - it should be for all welfare recipients or not at all.
2.6 million on age pension aka welfare - to be included for this card. Pokie rooms are full of oldies.

Your comments are discriminative and unfounded.

Where are your facts that “there are many more non-indigenous people wasting money. ” Show where those accurate statistics are recorded. Not just based on your opinion.

As for your unemployment payment statistics, did it occur to you that there is a much larger population of non-indigenous people in Australia compared with indigenous people? Of course there will be more recipients for unemployment payments for the larger population.

What about the other benefits that are afforded only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? Do you know about them, or just choose to ignore those facts?

Your ignorance is showing. Don’t try to pass on your opinions as truth.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Your comments are discriminative and unfounded.

Where are your facts that She is gill of ot“there are many more non-indigenous people wasting money. ” Show where those accurate statistics are recorded. Not just based on your opinion.

As for your unemployment payment statistics, did it occur to you that there is a much larger population of non-indigenous people in Australia compared with indigenous people? Of course there will be more recipients for unemployment payments for the larger population.

What about the other benefits that are afforded only to Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people? Do you know about them, or just choose to ignore those facts?

Your ignorance is showing. Don’t try to pass on your opinions as truth.

She is full of it. In my earlier posts I made mention of the fact that it wasn't only indigenous people with these problems and obviously with the very low %of indigenous people there are actually many many more white people
with addiction problems.
It was not only indigenous people who were put on this card but large towns like Kalgoorlie, Bundaberg. Alice Spring, Ceduna, Harvey Bay, Cape York etc probably many more white people than indigenous, as it should be.
I used to live in Kalgoorlie many years ago and know quite a few people there who were put on this card needlessly, obviously some of them hated it, with good reason others weren't too perturbed.
Our friend Knell likes to ignore these statistics and I'm sure will now come up with her usual derogatory comments, LOL.
With regard to her comments about aged pensioners being given the card,.how many aged pensioner are drug affected, alcoholic, gambling adducts neglecting their children.
All these aged people.she says are playing the pokies. How many of them are self funded retirees, pensioners who have their own home and have a few bob to spare. Such a shame they are leaving their young children at home to fend for themselves.
Something really should be done about this situation.