Attention Centrelink recipients — there’s a major change happening soon.

On March 6, the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) program will end and a new Enhanced Income Management system will come into effect.

‘Enhanced Income Management helps you budget your payments from us,’ Services Australia said.

‘It also helps you meet essential household needs and expenses, like food, rent, bills and education.’

‘You access your enhanced Income Management account with your SmartCard.’

More than 16,000 eligible participants nationwide will be sent letters containing further details before the program lapses.

The new changes announced by the government for CDC participants will take effect in March. Image Credit: flickr

‘For now, you keep using your CDC until you get a new SmartCard, which looks and works like a regular bank debit card,’ Services Australia added.

Participants who will opt to get the new SmartCard will need to go to their respective service centre or agent to avail of the change.

According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Enhanced Income Management program also widens the current exclusions on alcohol, gambling, and cash withdrawal.

Under the new program, tobacco and pornographic materials have also been disallowed from purchase.

It’s also important to note that people who live in the Northern Territory or Cape York and Doomadgee (QLD) and have a CDC will be switched to the new system.

‘If you are on Income Management and have a BasicsCard, nothing changes. You do not move to Enhanced Income Management,’ Services Australia added.

‘If you live in certain areas of Australia, you can volunteer for Enhanced Income Management and access it with a SmartCard.’

Here are relevant links per qualifying state:

• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia

The DSS has also stressed it will continue to deliver CDC-related support services in the qualifying areas.

‘Funding arrangements for over 40 existing services in CDC communities have been extended,’ the department said.

Tip

Got questions about the new SmartCards? Call Services Australia at 1800 252 604 or click here to find out more!

‘A range of added supports, including those requested by communities during consultation with the Government, are also being funded. These services will be co-designed with the local community to ensure the support meets local needs, empowering local voices and decision-making.’

‘Funding will be used to support alcohol and other drug treatment that complements existing services, addresses service delivery gaps, and is consistent with the needs and expectations of the communities.’

Income management programs such as CDC have previously been criticised for failing to address the problems it means to solve like poverty or excessive alcohol use. Image Credit: Flickr

For those unfamiliar with the CDC, it’s an income management system which prevents as much as 80 per cent of welfare recipients’ money from being used on vices such as alcohol and gambling or being withdrawn in cash.

It did this by splitting welfare payments in two — one chunk goes to a recipient’s regular bank account, and another goes onto their cashless debit card.

The program was first introduced around 2016 in trials in select parts of the country in Ceduna region, SA; East Kimberley and Goldfields region, WA; Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Cape York regions in QLD; and the NT to find out if reducing the available cash on hand in communities would lead to lower rates of welfare-related alcohol, gambling, and drug use.

The concept, however, is said to have been introduced to Australia in 2007 in the NT to help Indigenous communities in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink recipients who have been using the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) will soon receive a letter in the mail about the new income-management system coming into effect on March 6.
• Aussies who are switching over to the new SmartCard will need to visit a service centre or participating agent from March 6 to get their new card.
• Those who live in the Northern Territory, Cape York or Doomadgee who have a CDC will also move to the new system.
• The Albanese government announced in late last year it wanted to end the controversial CDC system.

Initial evaluations of the CDC program said it had a ‘considerable positive impact’ in trial communities — but a later federal government audit found that the program had a ‘lack of evidence’ to prove its effectiveness in meeting its goals.

In October of 2022, it was announced by the Labor government that the CDC will be scrapped, following through on an Albanese election promise.

In general, income management programs with similar setups — the government doles out welfare but with restrictions — have been criticised due to high administrative costs, the social stigma associated with being on a program like CDC, particularly for Indigenous Australians, and failure to address the systemic causes of problems like drug and alcohol abuse and poverty.

Now, speaking of changes, you might want to find out a couple in store for myGov after a review also found various points for improvement.

So, what are your thoughts on this most upcoming change?

Do you think that the expanded restrictions on tobacco and pornographic materials will make a difference in terms of improving the social outcomes of SmartCard recipients? Or do you think payments should be unrestricted?

Tell us your opinions below!

Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia​

 

[Lisa]

Maybe alcohol and certain drugs should be on that list too!!

 

[StephenNikita]

Some people don’t want help and will continue to get smokes & alcohol from theft.

 

[Biedronka]

Have they the all Knowing white government really truly gone to the root causes. Of what is happening in aboriginal communities. Or have they just pontificated from on high and not really listened to what the people need. Oh by the way. Is this card also for white folk who spend more of their pension on alcohol cigarettes gambling etc. or is it only for people of colour. I have no monkeys in this particular circus but injustice is in justice.

 

[Granny*Deb]

If they need/want it, there will always be some way to procure what they seek

 

[Tiaura]

Attention Centrelink recipients — there’s a major change happening soon.

On March 6, the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) program will end and a new Enhanced Income Management system will come into effect.

‘Enhanced Income Management helps you budget your payments from us,’ Services Australia said.

‘It also helps you meet essential household needs and expenses, like food, rent, bills and education.’

‘You access your enhanced Income Management account with your SmartCard.’

More than 16,000 eligible participants nationwide will be sent letters containing further details before the program lapses.

View attachment 13195

The new changes announced by the government for CDC participants will take effect in March. Image Credit: flickr

‘For now, you keep using your CDC until you get a new SmartCard, which looks and works like a regular bank debit card,’ Services Australia added.

Participants who will opt to get the new SmartCard will need to go to their respective service centre or agent to avail of the change.

According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Enhanced Income Management program also widens the current exclusions on alcohol, gambling, and cash withdrawal.

Under the new program, tobacco and pornographic materials have also been disallowed from purchase.

It’s also important to note that people who live in the Northern Territory or Cape York and Doomadgee (QLD) and have a CDC will be switched to the new system.

‘If you are on Income Management and have a BasicsCard, nothing changes. You do not move to Enhanced Income Management,’ Services Australia added.

‘If you live in certain areas of Australia, you can volunteer for Enhanced Income Management and access it with a SmartCard.’

Here are relevant links per qualifying state:

• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia

The DSS has also stressed it will continue to deliver CDC-related support services in the qualifying areas.

‘Funding arrangements for over 40 existing services in CDC communities have been extended,’ the department said.

Tip

Got questions about the new SmartCards? Call Services Australia at 1800 252 604 or click here to find out more!

‘A range of added supports, including those requested by communities during consultation with the Government, are also being funded. These services will be co-designed with the local community to ensure the support meets local needs, empowering local voices and decision-making.’

‘Funding will be used to support alcohol and other drug treatment that complements existing services, addresses service delivery gaps, and is consistent with the needs and expectations of the communities.’

View attachment 13196

Income management programs such as CDC have previously been criticised for failing to address the problems it means to solve like poverty or excessive alcohol use. Image Credit: Flickr

For those unfamiliar with the CDC, it’s an income management system which prevents as much as 80 per cent of welfare recipients’ money from being used on vices such as alcohol and gambling or being withdrawn in cash.

It did this by splitting welfare payments in two — one chunk goes to a recipient’s regular bank account, and another goes onto their cashless debit card.

The program was first introduced around 2016 in trials in select parts of the country in Ceduna region, SA; East Kimberley and Goldfields region, WA; Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Cape York regions in QLD; and the NT to find out if reducing the available cash on hand in communities would lead to lower rates of welfare-related alcohol, gambling, and drug use.

The concept, however, is said to have been introduced to Australia in 2007 in the NT to help Indigenous communities in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink recipients who have been using the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) will soon receive a letter in the mail about the new income-management system coming into effect on March 6.
• Aussies who are switching over to the new SmartCard will need to visit a service centre or participating agent from March 6 to get their new card.
• Those who live in the Northern Territory, Cape York or Doomadgee who have a CDC will also move to the new system.
• The Albanese government announced in late last year it wanted to end the controversial CDC system.

Initial evaluations of the CDC program said it had a ‘considerable positive impact’ in trial communities — but a later federal government audit found that the program had a ‘lack of evidence’ to prove its effectiveness in meeting its goals.

In October of 2022, it was announced by the Labor government that the CDC will be scrapped, following through on an Albanese election promise.

In general, income management programs with similar setups — the government doles out welfare but with restrictions — have been criticised due to high administrative costs, the social stigma associated with being on a program like CDC, particularly for Indigenous Australians, and failure to address the systemic causes of problems like drug and alcohol abuse and poverty.

Now, speaking of changes, you might want to find out a couple in store for myGov after a review also found various points for improvement.

So, what are your thoughts on this most upcoming change?

Do you think that the expanded restrictions on tobacco and pornographic materials will make a difference in terms of improving the social outcomes of SmartCard recipients? Or do you think payments should be unrestricted?

Tell us your opinions below!

Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia​

I totally understand the reason behind this move but I remain absolutely against any government dictating what a person can spend his/her money on. There are other, less intrusive ways of ensuring money is ethically disbursed.

 

[Greg Sharp]

This is insulting to anyone on Centrelink payments. How dare anyone else decide what you can spend on? It infers that people are incapable of making their own monetary decisions

 

[Cheezil]

Waste of tax payers money (as mentioned in article, no evidence that it works but will dish out hundreds of thousands of taxpayer funding on admin etc to change the name of it & pretend someone is doing something)!
I work (not a Centrelink recipient at all) & I'm a non gambler, non smoker, non drinker non porn user, non drug user etc (yes boring lol), but absolutely against the idea of anyone telling us how we should spend our money!

This funding would be better spent on helping those that genuinely need assistance (like domestic violence victims, those that need disability support or spending it to assist homelessless, etc) not a budgeting tool!

This whole smart card concept is overstepping the mark & taking away basic rights.
And who are these govt bodies to generalize & decide who has what money for what purpose? We all have individual budgets & individual needs! Why should they tell me what i can & can't spend MY money on (be it a pension, jobseeker, etc- no ones business)

And the other concern is that it will not stop at certain communities, areas or demographic, it will be everyone on a Centrelink paymemt before long

 

[siameezer]

This is a better version of the cashless welfare card the previous LNP Federal government were going to make compulsory for all welfare recipients (including Age Pensioners) had they retained government. This card is voluntary for those who wish to avail themselves of it and believe it or not, some people do decide income management is what they want. Let's just hope it is never decided to make the card compulsory as I am a pensioner who can manage her own financial affairs without assistance.

 

[Tipsy]

Attention Centrelink recipients — there’s a major change happening soon.

On March 6, the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) program will end and a new Enhanced Income Management system will come into effect.

‘Enhanced Income Management helps you budget your payments from us,’ Services Australia said.

‘It also helps you meet essential household needs and expenses, like food, rent, bills and education.’

‘You access your enhanced Income Management account with your SmartCard.’

More than 16,000 eligible participants nationwide will be sent letters containing further details before the program lapses.

View attachment 13195

The new changes announced by the government for CDC participants will take effect in March. Image Credit: flickr

‘For now, you keep using your CDC until you get a new SmartCard, which looks and works like a regular bank debit card,’ Services Australia added.

Participants who will opt to get the new SmartCard will need to go to their respective service centre or agent to avail of the change.

According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Enhanced Income Management program also widens the current exclusions on alcohol, gambling, and cash withdrawal.

Under the new program, tobacco and pornographic materials have also been disallowed from purchase.

It’s also important to note that people who live in the Northern Territory or Cape York and Doomadgee (QLD) and have a CDC will be switched to the new system.

‘If you are on Income Management and have a BasicsCard, nothing changes. You do not move to Enhanced Income Management,’ Services Australia added.

‘If you live in certain areas of Australia, you can volunteer for Enhanced Income Management and access it with a SmartCard.’

Here are relevant links per qualifying state:

• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia

The DSS has also stressed it will continue to deliver CDC-related support services in the qualifying areas.

‘Funding arrangements for over 40 existing services in CDC communities have been extended,’ the department said.

Tip

Got questions about the new SmartCards? Call Services Australia at 1800 252 604 or click here to find out more!

‘A range of added supports, including those requested by communities during consultation with the Government, are also being funded. These services will be co-designed with the local community to ensure the support meets local needs, empowering local voices and decision-making.’

‘Funding will be used to support alcohol and other drug treatment that complements existing services, addresses service delivery gaps, and is consistent with the needs and expectations of the communities.’

View attachment 13196

Income management programs such as CDC have previously been criticised for failing to address the problems it means to solve like poverty or excessive alcohol use. Image Credit: Flickr

For those unfamiliar with the CDC, it’s an income management system which prevents as much as 80 per cent of welfare recipients’ money from being used on vices such as alcohol and gambling or being withdrawn in cash.

It did this by splitting welfare payments in two — one chunk goes to a recipient’s regular bank account, and another goes onto their cashless debit card.

The program was first introduced around 2016 in trials in select parts of the country in Ceduna region, SA; East Kimberley and Goldfields region, WA; Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Cape York regions in QLD; and the NT to find out if reducing the available cash on hand in communities would lead to lower rates of welfare-related alcohol, gambling, and drug use.

The concept, however, is said to have been introduced to Australia in 2007 in the NT to help Indigenous communities in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink recipients who have been using the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) will soon receive a letter in the mail about the new income-management system coming into effect on March 6.
• Aussies who are switching over to the new SmartCard will need to visit a service centre or participating agent from March 6 to get their new card.
• Those who live in the Northern Territory, Cape York or Doomadgee who have a CDC will also move to the new system.
• The Albanese government announced in late last year it wanted to end the controversial CDC system.

Initial evaluations of the CDC program said it had a ‘considerable positive impact’ in trial communities — but a later federal government audit found that the program had a ‘lack of evidence’ to prove its effectiveness in meeting its goals.

In October of 2022, it was announced by the Labor government that the CDC will be scrapped, following through on an Albanese election promise.

In general, income management programs with similar setups — the government doles out welfare but with restrictions — have been criticised due to high administrative costs, the social stigma associated with being on a program like CDC, particularly for Indigenous Australians, and failure to address the systemic causes of problems like drug and alcohol abuse and poverty.

Now, speaking of changes, you might want to find out a couple in store for myGov after a review also found various points for improvement.

So, what are your thoughts on this most upcoming change?

Do you think that the expanded restrictions on tobacco and pornographic materials will make a difference in terms of improving the social outcomes of SmartCard recipients? Or do you think payments should be unrestricted?

Tell us your opinions below!

Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia​

And guess where the profits of operating the card go to..... The LIBERAL PARTY

 

[Nana Zorak]

I would strongly resist this move if it were to be forced onto pensioners. I live on a pension & find that I have a pretty good life. Except for having to pay for the doctor.

 

[Liz]

I strongly objected to the CDC and now this one as well. As an aged pensioner, I can budget and pay all my bills. I don't want to be told that I cannot withdraw money for what I want. I dont' smoke, drink, gamble or watch porn, so why should I have to have this. It is the Liberal Party all over again, just new name and slightly different. Put the money into fixing the health system.

 

[Lee-Bee]

Some people, black, white or brindle just can’t seem to budget.
If this system of payment can keep a roof over family heads and healthy food on their tables, and clothes on their back, then it’s a win all round.
The children should not go without because their parents can’t manage their payment.
I work and have never bought a plastic shopping bag.
I regularly observe people on government payments buying 5-6 plastic bags when shopping. A little thing but it can still blow out a budget when added to other such wasteful purchases.
Most recipients of government payments have earned it, through hard work throughout their working life. They generally know how to budget.
Others however think the government payment is their right, even though they have never worked, just because they were born in Australia.
They are the recipients who need help to budget, for themselves and their family.

 

[siameezer]

I strongly objected to the CDC and now this one as well. As an aged pensioner, I can budget and pay all my bills. I don't want to be told that I cannot withdraw money for what I want. I dont' smoke, drink, gamble or watch porn, so why should I have to have this. It is the Liberal Party all over again, just new name and slightly different. Put the money into fixing the health system.

I agree about objecting to it, as I also fought against the original CDC. What we have to remember is the article was written in such a way as to evoke strong emotions from us and it needs to be emphasised this new card is voluntary for those who choose to utilise it. It also is not going to be run by an outside private company at the cost of many thousands of dollars per recipient per annum but will be administered by Centrelink themselves. I don't want the card and would never opt for it, but I do accept there are people who do (albeit a small number maybe) and I respect that.
Keep up the good fight against compulsory income management!

 

[Luckyus]

Attention Centrelink recipients — there’s a major change happening soon.

On March 6, the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) program will end and a new Enhanced Income Management system will come into effect.

‘Enhanced Income Management helps you budget your payments from us,’ Services Australia said.

‘It also helps you meet essential household needs and expenses, like food, rent, bills and education.’

‘You access your enhanced Income Management account with your SmartCard.’

More than 16,000 eligible participants nationwide will be sent letters containing further details before the program lapses.

View attachment 13195

The new changes announced by the government for CDC participants will take effect in March. Image Credit: flickr

‘For now, you keep using your CDC until you get a new SmartCard, which looks and works like a regular bank debit card,’ Services Australia added.

Participants who will opt to get the new SmartCard will need to go to their respective service centre or agent to avail of the change.

According to the Department of Social Services (DSS), the Enhanced Income Management program also widens the current exclusions on alcohol, gambling, and cash withdrawal.

Under the new program, tobacco and pornographic materials have also been disallowed from purchase.

It’s also important to note that people who live in the Northern Territory or Cape York and Doomadgee (QLD) and have a CDC will be switched to the new system.

‘If you are on Income Management and have a BasicsCard, nothing changes. You do not move to Enhanced Income Management,’ Services Australia added.

‘If you live in certain areas of Australia, you can volunteer for Enhanced Income Management and access it with a SmartCard.’

Here are relevant links per qualifying state:

• Northern Territory
• Queensland
• South Australia
• Western Australia

The DSS has also stressed it will continue to deliver CDC-related support services in the qualifying areas.

‘Funding arrangements for over 40 existing services in CDC communities have been extended,’ the department said.

Tip

Got questions about the new SmartCards? Call Services Australia at 1800 252 604 or click here to find out more!

‘A range of added supports, including those requested by communities during consultation with the Government, are also being funded. These services will be co-designed with the local community to ensure the support meets local needs, empowering local voices and decision-making.’

‘Funding will be used to support alcohol and other drug treatment that complements existing services, addresses service delivery gaps, and is consistent with the needs and expectations of the communities.’

View attachment 13196

Income management programs such as CDC have previously been criticised for failing to address the problems it means to solve like poverty or excessive alcohol use. Image Credit: Flickr

For those unfamiliar with the CDC, it’s an income management system which prevents as much as 80 per cent of welfare recipients’ money from being used on vices such as alcohol and gambling or being withdrawn in cash.

It did this by splitting welfare payments in two — one chunk goes to a recipient’s regular bank account, and another goes onto their cashless debit card.

The program was first introduced around 2016 in trials in select parts of the country in Ceduna region, SA; East Kimberley and Goldfields region, WA; Bundaberg, Hervey Bay, and Cape York regions in QLD; and the NT to find out if reducing the available cash on hand in communities would lead to lower rates of welfare-related alcohol, gambling, and drug use.

The concept, however, is said to have been introduced to Australia in 2007 in the NT to help Indigenous communities in the area.

Key Takeaways

• Centrelink recipients who have been using the Cashless Debit Card (CDC) will soon receive a letter in the mail about the new income-management system coming into effect on March 6.
• Aussies who are switching over to the new SmartCard will need to visit a service centre or participating agent from March 6 to get their new card.
• Those who live in the Northern Territory, Cape York or Doomadgee who have a CDC will also move to the new system.
• The Albanese government announced in late last year it wanted to end the controversial CDC system.

Initial evaluations of the CDC program said it had a ‘considerable positive impact’ in trial communities — but a later federal government audit found that the program had a ‘lack of evidence’ to prove its effectiveness in meeting its goals.

In October of 2022, it was announced by the Labor government that the CDC will be scrapped, following through on an Albanese election promise.

In general, income management programs with similar setups — the government doles out welfare but with restrictions — have been criticised due to high administrative costs, the social stigma associated with being on a program like CDC, particularly for Indigenous Australians, and failure to address the systemic causes of problems like drug and alcohol abuse and poverty.

Now, speaking of changes, you might want to find out a couple in store for myGov after a review also found various points for improvement.

So, what are your thoughts on this most upcoming change?

Do you think that the expanded restrictions on tobacco and pornographic materials will make a difference in terms of improving the social outcomes of SmartCard recipients? Or do you think payments should be unrestricted?

Tell us your opinions below!

Source: YouTube/ABC News Australia​

Cut out all the bullshit, this is nothing but another form of control. doesn't matter which political party is in power, and if there is a new party it will be trousered?

 

[Lizzylou]

I don't believe anyone has the right to tell you how to spend the money you receive from Centrelink, however with so many people living with poverty if they can get help then that is great. I don't agree with someone wasting their money (as I see it) on cigarettes, drugs and alcohol and then going into these places that help with food or paying a bill and expecting them to give them more when they have used up their money and not bothered paying their bills or buying food. But sadly drugs and alcohol are addictions and create social and medical issues that the community needs to deal with. I am not advocating that people are controlled but if it works for some and they say YES then using a method to help must be better for the individual or family.

 

[Groovy]

Some people, black, white or brindle just can’t seem to budget.
If this system of payment can keep a roof over family heads and healthy food on their tables, and clothes on their back, then it’s a win all round.
The children should not go without because their parents can’t manage their payment.
I work and have never bought a plastic shopping bag.
I regularly observe people on government payments buying 5-6 plastic bags when shopping. A little thing but it can still blow out a budget when added to other such wasteful purchases.
Most recipients of government payments have earned it, through hard work throughout their working life. They generally know how to budget.
Others however think the government payment is their right, even though they have never worked, just because they were born in Australia.
They are the recipients who need help to budget, for themselves and their family.

Well said!!!

 

[ShannyN]

if all the groups and individuals on benefits are so insulted by this move to help break a cycle of alcohol abuse then why don't they hand back the dole and look for work. Plenty of jobs about, stop the import of foreigners and get the poor welfare recipients some dignity and self respect by getting them work rather than sitting at home on the latest flagship mobiles with huge data plans wasting the day playing social media or xbox?
Lets not forget many schools are now providing breakfast to younger kids as the oldies are too pissed or stoned to care or have spent it all on drugs, inc alcohol and ciggies.

 

[Anoush]

don't be so quick to pass the buck ,, it's not only Aboriginal / Australian folk ,,there are a hell of a lot of people from other countries as well on welfare,,,watching ACA one night the interviewer was speaking to an incredibly arrogant bullish man from another country who had two wives but don't remember how many children he had who claimed it was his right to have Australian welfare,,,,WHAT for both wives and possibly countless kids,,,Government need to stand up to those people and do some investigating before handing out people's hard earned money including mine..

 

[Suzanne rose]

Have they the all Knowing white government really truly gone to the root causes. Of what is happening in aboriginal communities. Or have they just pontificated from on high and not really listened to what the people need. Oh by the way. Is this card also for white folk who spend more of their pension on alcohol cigarettes gambling etc. or is it only for people of colour. I have no monkeys in this particular circus but injustice is in justice.

It's also for white folk although colour or race isn't the issue it's for those who use their payment on things other than essential items

Why should the tax payers pay for someone's alcohol, drugs or fetishes