Cashless Welfare Cards

The federal government’s Cashless Debit Card trials in the East Kimberley and Ceduna were recently extended. In the space of a day, the government not only released the limited evaluation of the trial, but used this to justify its extension. The extension is puzzling given that the trial has led to further economic and social harm among people compulsorily included. Some communities argued that the card would be important to curb gender-based violence. However, there are reports that domestic violence has actually increased since the card was introduced and crime increased. [node:read-more:link]

We all know there are huge problems with alcohol and drugs within some communities, those issues are Australia wide and in all races not just First Nation peoples. Governments cuts is already putting the squeeze on services, especially everyone trapped in the welfare system ... So let's look at the effect on someone on 'Abstudy' Payments. For a student living at home under the age of 18 claiming base rate 'Abstudy', their cash payment portion would only be $47.40, then 18-21 cash would be $57.22 and over, would be $104.60 per fortnight in cash payments. The rest must be stuck on the card .... [node:read-more:link]