After three years watching the Commonwealth’s controversial welfare trial unfold up close, Bundaberg mayor Jack Dempsey says it has proven a tool of humiliation rather than help.
Bundaberg mayor Jack Dempsey, a former state minister in the Campbell Newman government, says the Commonwealth’s controversial cashless welfare card has been a failure in Queensland and ought to be tossed out in its current form.
It works by quarantining 80 per cent of the money so it cannot not be spent on alcohol, gambling or withdrawn as cash. The remaining 20 per cent gets paid to a normal nominated bank account. Critics say it stigmatises users and is no way to treat complex social issues such as addiction or mental health. Proponents counter that it’s keeping food on family dinner tables.
The South Australian town of Ceduna became the first trial site in March 2016. Western Australia’s East Kimberley and Goldfields regions followed soon after. Close to 21,000 people nationally have been part of the trial, some of them voluntarily.Cr Dempsey said the card made it impossible for some people, including women fleeing family violence, to convince prospective landlords – already spoiled for renters in a hot housing market – that there was money in the bank.
“And they’re not bloody drug addicts or alcoholics or anything like that. They’re just very good people trying their best, and they get treated like second-class citizens.Mr Pitt and colleagues extended the Hinkler trial for two more years in December 2020.
Australia Latest News, Australia Headlines
Similar News:You can also read news stories similar to this one that we have collected from other news sources.
‘Meltdown’: Randwick mayor blasts testing clinic issuesA Sydney mayor says he has heard reports of testing clinics being “in meltdown” in his area as wait times blew out in some parts of the state amid a record day of infections.
Read more »
No minister, we can’t charge the unvaxxed for COVID careThe NSW president of the Australian Medical Association writes that it would be unethical to countenance the NSW Health Minister’s suggestion.
Read more »
COVID-19 is speeding up our shift towards a cashless futureThe COVID-19 pandemic is accelerating Australia's shift towards buy now, pay later and other digital payment methods – at the expense of physical cash. But not everyone is happy about moving too quickly to a cashless society.
Read more »
More than 2 million COVID-19 booster shots administered across AustraliaHealth Minister Greg Hunt has thanked Australians for coming forward and getting their COVID-19 booster shot, with more than two million administered across the country.
Read more »
From the Australian Ballet to Brandenburg’s Noël!: the best live arts to stream this ChristmasAustralia’s arts companies are streaming gorgeous productions this weekend. As a little Xmas treat, we’ve compiled some highlights
Read more »