As the controversial cashless debit card faces the axe, there are fears 'chaos' will follow

  • 📰 abcnews
  • ⏱ Reading Time:
  • 36 sec. here
  • 2 min. at publisher
  • 📊 Quality Score:
  • News: 18%
  • Publisher: 83%

Australia News News

Australia Latest News,Australia Headlines

As the Commonwealth moves to scrap the cashless debit card, there is apprehension in remote northern Australia about life without the controversial form of income management.

Some are glad to see it go, while others fear its removal could cause mayhem in an area that has long grappled with domestic violence and social dysfunction.

Legislation is before the Senate which, if it passes with amendments this week, will mean people can transition off the card from October.Miriwoong woman Majella Roberts said the card helped her save money for her six children."Use it in the shops, clothing shops, even for cabs as well." About 30 kilometres away in Cockatoo Springs community, elder Ben Ward said the card should go, and agreed with the move towards a voluntary system."If we don't have the choice then why the hell are we here?"

"I mean, how much consultation has there been with the state? Has there been an increase in the police force? Has there been an increase in St John WA ambulance services?"

 

Thank you for your comment. Your comment will be published after being reviewed.
Please try again later.

Get rid of chaos in Canberra, put the pollies on the cashless card.

Chaos is everyone being treated like a human?

LABOR'S GENERATED CHAOS

I hope there is accountability for this decision when the inevitable happens in those communities.

Some people like it some people don’t. I have read how it has lowered the influence of alcohol and other factors in a community. Has it had a positive effect or negative? What a screwed situation.

Why was it made onto a commercial windfall for Liberal mates

I admire Labor for controlling the excesses with Indue. I do however suggest the new enhanced card roles out scheduled to replace indue, that people are given a choice (easier nowadays if the digital transformation is well implemented)

It will devastate remote communities but appease inner city elites. And the elites are more important.

Typical of ABC, who lives off public teat sees Cashless Debit Card as indigenous money. It’s welfare! My taxes have contributed. Conditions are required.

I suspect most of these fears originate with those who profit from the existing set-up. Besides, they're not axing income management at all

You seem to have neglected that the card that was forced onto people is now voluntary. ffs ABC

How can the government not see the problem here? Making alcohol available to all again getting rid of the debit card, all Aussies would benefit from having less alcohol available FFS.

It’s ok the Pub, TAB & paint section of hardware shop, profits will increase

We have summarized this news so that you can read it quickly. If you are interested in the news, you can read the full text here. Read more:

 /  🏆 5. in AU

Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines