This bill became law on Sep 30th, 2022.
Welfare & housing
Australia ends the cashless debit card programA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., with about 17,300 current participants moved out of it under these reforms.
Abolishing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. left about 17,300 participants needing a staged exit and, in some cases, another income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. arrangement. The bill repeals the program, lets people ask to leave it, blocks new entrants, and moves some people into income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto..
The cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. had operated as a welfare trial since 2016 and was expanded in 2020, but ANAOThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. reports in 2018 and 2022 found no evidence it was meeting its stated goals of reducing alcohol, gambling and drug-related harm. After Labor took an election commitment to abolish the card into the 2022 campaign, this bill set up a staged exit for about 17,300 participants, ended new compulsory placements and kept other income-management pathways available for some people after the card program was repealed.
Critics argued that abolishing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. would remove a tool they said had reduced alcohol abuse, gambling, violence and welfare harm, especially in remote and vulnerable communities. That case was pushed mainly by Coalition MPs, while narrower reservations from Bridget Archer and Senate amendments focused on weak consultation and the lack of a clear transition and support plan.
Amanda Rishworth MP introduced this bill. In the House final vote, support came from Labor, Greens, some crossbench members; opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Centre Alliance, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 30 Sept 2022
Final passage
Recorded final vote
3 counted final-passage votes were recorded.
Passage speed
65 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
Australia ends the cashless debit card programA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., with about 17,300 current participants moved out of it under these reforms.
People on the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. can ask Services AustraliaThe government agency that administers payments and can process a person's request to come off the cashless debit card program. to take them off the program, and that request cannot be withdrawn later.
Some people in Cape York can still have part of their welfare managed if the Queensland Family Responsibilities CommissionThe Cape York body that can direct some people onto welfare restrictions under the local scheme that continues after the cashless debit card ends. directs it or they were already in the local program before 6 March 2023.
For people placed on enhanced income managementA version of income management used in this bill under which part of a payment goes onto a BasicsCard and the government can set the split between restricted and unrestricted money., part of a welfare payment goes onto a BasicsCardA card used in income management to spend the restricted part of a welfare payment on allowed goods and services, but not alcohol, tobacco or gambling. and cannot be spent on alcohol, tobacco or gambling, and the government can change the split.
Some young Northern Territory welfare recipients who are classed as disengaged youthA legal category for some younger welfare recipients, mainly aged 15 to 24, who can still be placed on income management in the Northern Territory after leaving the cashless debit card. can still be put on income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. after leaving the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases..
Around 17,300 existing CDC program participants, many of whom are First Nations people, will be affected by these important reforms. The reforms are to be implemented in two legislative tranches. This Bill abolishes the CDC program. A further Bill, to be introduced later in 2022 after consultations with affected areas and communities, will address the transition for individuals who access income management arrangements after their exit from the CDC program.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) explanatory memorandum
(8) A person may make a request to the Secretary to cease to be a program participant under this section. The request cannot be withdrawn or revoked.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
• A person may become subject to the enhanced income management regime because the Queensland Commission requires the person to be subject to the enhanced income management regime or if the person was a program participant under the Cape York provision in Part 3D immediately before 6 March 2023.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
• Certain welfare payments are divided into qualified and unqualified portions, with the qualified portions being credited to a BasicsCard bank account. The amount of each portion may be varied by the Secretary. Recipients are unable to spend the qualified portions of such payments on certain goods or services such as alcohol, tobacco products or gambling.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
(a) the person meets the criteria relating to disengaged youth and the person’s usual place of residence is within the Northern Territory; orSocial Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) as-passed bill text
Context
The cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. had operated as a welfare trial since 2016 and was expanded in 2020, but ANAOThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. reports in 2018 and 2022 found no evidence it was meeting its stated goals of reducing alcohol, gambling and drug-related harm. After Labor took an election commitment to abolish the card into the 2022 campaign, this bill set up a staged exit for about 17,300 participants, ended new compulsory placements and kept other income-management pathways available for some people after the card program was repealed.
Cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. trial begins
The former government established the cashless welfare arrangementsA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. as a trial, quarantining part of some welfare payments through a restricted debit card.
Explanatory memorandum ↗ANAOThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. finds no evidence the card met its objectives
An Australian National Audit OfficeThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. report found no evidence the program had achieved its intended results, weakening the case for keeping or expanding it.
Explanatory memorandum ↗ANAOThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. again finds no evidence the program was working
A second ANAOThe federal audit office whose 2018 and 2022 reports said there was no evidence the cashless debit card was achieving its stated goals. report repeated that there was no evidence the card was meeting its objectives, reinforcing Labor's case for repeal.
Explanatory memorandum ↗Labor campaigns to abolish the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases.
During the federal election campaign, Labor publicly argued the card should be scrapped, turning its future into a live election issue.
Australian Financial Review ↗Government introduces bill to wind up the card
The bill was introduced to abolish the program and manage a staged transition for about 17,300 people already on the card.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses agreed on the same text, clearing the way for the cashless debit card programA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. to be repealed and participants to move off it.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law. repeals the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. law
Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law. turned the bill into law, allowing the staged shutdown of the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. and continued use of other income-management arrangements for some people.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Legislative route
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 86 to 53.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 86 to 56.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber. Later message exchanges with the other chamber were still recorded afterwards.
Third reading agreed to
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Introduced and read a first time
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Second reading moved
Referred to Committee (04/08/2022): Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (31/08/2022)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 32 to 24.
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Second reading agreed to
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Committee of the Whole debate
Recorded vote: 33 to 26.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main amendments were: The Senate agreed Government amendments, Australian Greens amendments and several committee-stage changes, while rejecting attempts to preserve more of the old income-management text or require stronger transition commitments.
Consideration of Senate message
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Finally passed both Houses
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
Critics argued that abolishing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. would remove a tool they said had reduced alcohol abuse, gambling, violence and welfare harm, especially in remote and vulnerable communities. That case was pushed mainly by Coalition MPs, while narrower reservations from Bridget Archer and Senate amendments focused on weak consultation and the lack of a clear transition and support plan.
Most criticism was about repeal risks and transition design, not support for compulsory income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. in every form.
Repeal could worsen social harm
Opponents said ending the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. would likely increase alcohol and drug abuse, gambling, violence and antisocial behaviour by removing spending limits they believed had protected vulnerable families and communities.
Government was accused of scrapping an effective program
Several speakers argued the card was working in places such as Ceduna and the Goldfields, and that repealing it would reverse local gains in safety, financial management and protection for women and children.
Transition and consultation were seen as too weak
Some criticism was more conditional: critics said the government had not properly consulted affected communities and had not set out a detailed replacement, long-term support package or transition plan for areas coming off the card.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
Passed 86 to 56. Support came from Labor, Greens, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 33 to 26. Support came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and UAP. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted no. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 33 to 26. Support came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, One Nation, and UAP. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted no. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 86 to 53. Support came from Labor and Greens. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 32 to 24. Support came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted no. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.
House
Passed 82 to 58. Support came from Labor and Greens. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Agreeing to urgency did not settle the bill's policy itself, but it let the government accelerate debate and votes on repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases..
Passed 87 to 50. Support came from Labor, Greens, Centre Alliance, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Liberal Party and Nationals. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Accepting the Senate amendments meant both chambers agreed on the same final text, allowing the bill to complete its passage through Parliament.
The House agreed to the amendments made by the Senate, so the bill could pass both chambers in the same form.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
Senate
Defeated 26 to 30. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Jacqui Lambie Network, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor and minor parties and independents. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted aye. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The proposed change was not agreed.
Defeated 11 to 41. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted no. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This was a statement attached to the second-reading motion, not a direct rewrite of the bill; defeating it meant the Senate did not formally call on the government to commit to those broader next steps.
Defeated 24 to 32. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and One Nation. Opposition came from Labor, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted aye. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Because it was a second-reading amendment, it would have expressed the Senate's position rather than directly amending the bill text; its defeat meant the Senate did not add that instruction to the motion.
Defeated 27 to 29. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, Jacqui Lambie Network, One Nation, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor. One cross-floor vote was recorded: Penny Allman-Payne (Greens) voted aye. Greens had split recorded votes. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This was a second-reading statement rather than a direct bill amendment; defeating it meant the Senate did not formally order that broader transition plan through this vote.
Defeated 11 to 32. Support came from Greens. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This was a direct amendment vote during detailed consideration of the bill. Its defeat meant the bill kept stronger limits on participants leaving those arrangements.
The APH progress record says 34 Government amendments were agreed without a counted division being collected by this run.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The APH progress record says 3 Australian Greens amendments were agreed without a counted division being collected by this run.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Senator Matt O'Sullivan's amendment package covering amendments (1) to (4), (6), and (8) to (13).
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to Government amendments (1), (3), (5), (7), (9), (11), (13), and (15).
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
The Senate agreed on voices to the remaining Government amendments before voting on the amended bill text.
Carried on voices
The chamber decided this amendment without a counted division, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes.
This list includes amendment votes, procedural votes and votes on the bill itself.
The parliamentary record also shows 34 Government amendments and 3 Australian Greens amendments agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Amanda Rishworth supports the bill and says it should pass because the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. has failed, stigmatised participants and lacked evidence of success.
Read in Hansard ↗Jacqui Lambie argues against the bill because removing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will worsen crime, abuse and hardship in trial sites without a credible transition plan.
Read in Hansard ↗Janet Rice says the Greens will support the bill because abolishing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. is an important step, but she argues it does not go far enough because it could shift people onto other forms of compulsory income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. that she says are punitive and racist.
Read in Hansard ↗Rebekha Sharkie opposes repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., arguing the trial showed positive effects in places like Ceduna and Hervey Bay and should have been allowed to continue.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
11 speakers · 11 support
“Now we're doing that. We're doing all of that because our government, the Albanese Labor government, believes no-one should be left behind at all, and these people had been left behind by the previous government. We are looking out for the most disadvantaged and the most vulnerable in our country. It's for that reason that I am very privileged to be speaking today on abolishing the cashless debit card. I commend the bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We know we need to continue to support communities, and we will continue to support these communities as they transition off the cashless debit card. The government's vision is that no-one will be left behind and no-one will be held back. We will make sure that all those in our society are supported and have the opportunity to succeed. Repealing the cashless debit card helps to do that. I commend the bill to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This has been a very long road for the people of the Northern Territory and, indeed, for all of those now who are on the CDC right across Australia. I have objected to this from the day I entered this Senate and I am incredibly proud that our government has brought this as an urgent piece of legislation for this Senate to push through. There are thousands of Australians out there who do not want to be on this card, and it is up to this Senate to make, I believe, the right decision to ensure that this legislation gets through. None of the previous inquiries or reports over four years could say that the CDC was working in such an effective way that it was reducing trauma, that it was reducing domestic violence or that it was increasing people's ability to live a life free of all of that. None of those reports could say that. Let me remind you, senators, that one of the reasons the CDC was introduced was because it was meant to do those things. It was meant to see a better quality of life for Australians. That was the initial intention, but somewhere along the way that got lost, that got forgotten. It took those reports that came to our Senate inquiries—and these were not Senate reports; these were academic reports that were done on each of these communities under the CDC. So when senators opposite get up and say there's been no consultation, let me tell you: this has gone on for a very long time, and that is the very reason why the First Nations caucus committee of the federal Labor Party pushed for this policy to be integral in taking it to the recent federal election.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill represents the start of the government's work to end what has clearly been a failed program, to end the blanket imposition of compulsory broad based income management that the evidence simply does not support. But of course there is more work ahead.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Today, our government is saying enough is enough—we are calling time on the cashless debit card.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I will detail our government's amendments further in consideration of this bill in the committee of the whole. With these amendments, and our commitments to communities through these additional support services, the government will have addressed the recommendations of the report. In line with the second of the committee's recommendations, I recommend that the bill be passed.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Welfare payments and associated supports are key components to delivering on this government's priority that no-one is left behind. A priority for the government will be to ensure that every measure we put in place to assist some of our most vulnerable citizens does just that—assists them. We will always have supporting the most vulnerable members of our community as our top priority. The delivery of housing, health, education, child care and income support will make Australia a better place. These important areas of public policy are key to delivering on this government's top two priorities—no-one left behind and no-one held back. Today we are taking a step forward on that journey. I commend the bill to the Senate.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I want to be clear on two points. Firstly, there will be no requirement for a CDC participant to prove anything in order to move off the card. Second, every CDC participant will be transitioned off the card once this Bill passes the Parliament, and that the CDC will be abolished—it will no longer exist in any way, shape or form. The engagement with Services Australia is to ensure people have the support they might need to assist them with their transition.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These kinds of reports should give policymakers pause. It's unlikely that programs that make people feel this way are going to have an effective or positive social benefit. It's surprising to me, even now, that our predecessors in the LNP were not inclined to listen to those voices when they repeatedly came before government and said over and over again that these kinds of measures are harmful to us and harmful to our people, harmful to our sense of self, discriminatory and stigmatising. It's an important reminder to us in this place why a voice to parliament is so critical and overdue. If we want to close the gap and engage with First Nations communities, then solutions and policy need to be genuinely community driven—not top down, not imposed. It's on this basis that I support the bill”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The report we put forward recommends that this bill be passed. It is a message this government has heard widely and universally. It is time to listen to the people impacted by this card, who we are trying to help, and to stop ignoring their rights.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The existing policy was created to divide and demonise certain communities. It was the government of the day saying to you: 'Your different. You can't be trusted with social security, so we will determine how you should spend your money.' The Albanese government looks forward to this bill coming into law so the cashless debit card will not be forced on our fellow Australians again. I urge senators, and particularly those on the other side, to accept the fact that their policy—when they had policy—was bad policy, it was wrong and it did not achieve the outcomes that they sought to believe were going to happen. I urge people to support this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
42 speakers · 45 contributions · 41 oppose · 1 mixed
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Anne Ruston on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Anne Ruston says the opposition will not support the bill because repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. would harm vulnerable communities, was done without proper consultation, and should not proceed until there is a permanent alternative and proper scrutiny.
“The amendment, in effect, seeks for the third reading of this bill not to proceed until such time as the government lays on the table, clearly and distinctly, what its intentions are for income management going forward; and that that legislation has the opportunity to have the appropriate scrutiny of this place and the other place before we move to this reckless interim step that is going to damage lives, create greater uncertainty and deliver absolutely nothing to support the lives of the most vulnerable in our community, which is what the cashless debit card has sought to do for the last six years. The opposition will not be supporting this bill.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Anne Ruston opposed the bill’s second reading, using an amendment to press the government to protect age and veteran pensioners from being placed on income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. and relying on a recorded No vote to resolve the otherwise sparse speech text.
“At the end of the motion, add ", but the Senate calls on the Government to ensure that no recipient of the Age Pension or a Veteran or Service Pension will be placed on income management by the Commonwealth Government or any of its agencies. The current authority the Family Responsibility Commission, child protection workers, or the Alcohol Mandatory Treatment Tribunal in the Northern Territory will continue".”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I do not support this bill, and I ask senators to listen to the words of those living in these communities before putting your support behind it. Think about what will happen once the program is repealed. Think about the antisocial behaviour that will return once money can be freely accessed. And then think about all those children whose futures will change as a result of that support system being removed from their families. It's not a nice thought, is it?”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The cashless debit card works, and it always has, but the government must continue its con. Once you start a lie, you have to stick with it. It evolves and takes on a life of its own, as we have come to see. Again it's been a waste of our time and resources watching on while Labor rearrange the deckchairs on the sinking ship of Aboriginal community life, knowing full well that pulling the rug from clean under these vulnerable people, in the name of political correctness, is going to destroy lives. It's all smoke and mirrors. Albanese is the ringmaster of this circus, Rishworth is the illusionist and, with their colleagues, they put the heads of the vulnerable into the mouths of the lions while the taxpayers watch on, either cheering with approval or, like those with any real comprehension of the danger, gasping in dismay. Only when your intentions are driven by your concern for this nation and its people instead of your disdain for the opposition and hunger for votes will you actually find some real solutions for Indigenous people. (Time expired)”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise to speak on this Albanese Labor government's blatant and disappointing disregard for the welfare of those living in outer remote Indigenous communities. With this bill, we're seeing that the Albanese government have been obsessed with repealing the cashless debit card. They have shown, frankly, that they have no understanding whatsoever of the devastating impact this bill will have on some of our nation's most vulnerable communities. They have no compassion for those suffering from the most horrific abuse and trauma that will be exasperated by the alcohol and drugs that will pour into these communities across the country. As my colleague in the other place the member for Deakin said, this will inflict misery back into the vulnerable communities in places like the East Kimberley, the Goldfields in my home state of Western Australia, Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in Queensland and indeed in Ceduna in South Australia. I have been to each of these communities. I have been to most of them years before the cashless debit card was ever implemented and I have been to them while it has been in operation. I can tell you firsthand that there is a stark difference but, don't just take my word for it, listen to the people on the ground living in these communities.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I support Labor's new amendments to extend the CDC back to allow the Cape York communities, the CDC trial sites and those people in the Northern Territory who voluntarily transitioned from the BasicsCard onto the CDC to remain on it. This is a very good starting point, and it is just the first admission that they have messed up with this ill-conceived election commitment. The amendments put forward by the government confirm that even they admit that abolishing the cashless debit card will have serious consequences for vulnerable communities.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise today to oppose the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022. I want to put on the record, firstly, my acknowledgement of the courageous and compassionate members of my Goldfields community who have fought so hard since 2015 to secure and retain the cashless debit card trial in the city of Kalgoorlie-Boulder and the shires of Coolgardie, Menzies, Leonora and Laverton. I stand proud of the achievements of community leaders like John Bowler, shire presidents Mal Cullen, Peter Craig, Pat Hill, Greg and Jill Dwyer and their CEOs and elected councillors and the longstanding residents, strong advocates for the communities they love. I herald the bravery of Indigenous elders and leaders who spoke out about the realities of how grog, drugs and gambling were ruining their daily lives, eroding their culture and robbing their children and youth not only of their youth but also of hope.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Changing the CDC to a voluntary card will make the most vulnerable in our communities more vulnerable. I have said it before, I will say it again and I will keep saying it. Whether you are living with or love those with an addiction, a frontline worker, a member of the public or the family or generation left to deal with the chaos and grief, there is no escaping the consequences of addiction and substance misuse, or the coercion and control that often follows. Addressing it benefits us all. In removing the CDC you have failed to respond to that. Your abandonment of the most vulnerable is a disgrace, and the way you are going about this transition is irresponsible and reckless. Delay it, like you're going to delay the other card, to reduce further damage and disruption at the worst possible time on the calendar year for those people it is going to affect the most.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Sure, let's try and improve it but don't abolish it. What is going to happen in these communities? These communities most impacted by this legislation did not give a mandate to the government to change it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I can't wait for Labor and the Greens to step forward and accept responsibility. When they don't—and they won't—we will be holding them accountable for this appalling decision they are proposing to make. I cannot wait for the MPs who support the cashless debit card's abolishment to head to these communities to help fight the scourge of alcohol and drug fuelled domestic violence alongside, in many cases, the understaffed and under-resourced local police. I know that won't happen. If the government is successful in abolishing the cashless debit card, the Prime Minister and his inner-city-dominated government will be responsible for every additional violent crime and neglected child that will inevitably occur as a result. This government has not just botched the process; it is going to botch the future for so many important Australians.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The cashless debit card was introduced into communities as an important financial management tool to help improve the lives of vulnerable people in these communities, which were looking for solutions to entrenched alcohol and drug induced violence. Instead of listening to the voices of those people, particularly women and children, who are safer and more secure because of this card, Labor chose to make the CDC a source of political gain through a scare campaign based on falsehoods—a scare campaign that I have outlined here my contribution today. Labor pushed for the abolition of the cashless debit card with virtually zero consultation with key stakeholders who should been consulted from day one but were ignored by this government until the last minute. This bill must be seen for what it is: a political exercise by Labor to justify the falsehoods they used to scare the community for their own political gain.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The government should hang their heads in shame over this issue. It is ideological madness, nothing more and nothing less—despite Senator McCarthy saying it clearly is not. Quite frankly, the best thing you could do today is pull your legislation, go back out, listen to the community and then end this ideological madness.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Now we're seeing the Labor government making amendments on the run, amendments that we are about to debate shortly in the committee stage, to this legislation. Again, you are better off withdrawing this legislation rather than trying to steamroll these ill-conceived amendments that will make people's lives even worse than what you were proposing to do in the first place.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Prior to the implementation of the cashless debit card, on any given night anywhere between 50 and 100 children could be found walking the dark streets of Ceduna. When Allan asked a few of the children what they were doing out so late, their answer was heartbreaking. It was safer for these children to be out on the street than in their homes, confronted with alcohol fuelled violence, abuse and neglect. Once the effects of the card were felt by the community, the streets were quiet. There were no longer children wandering the streets, because, with limited access to alcohol or drugs, these children had a safe place to call home. The biggest beneficiaries, Allan confirmed, were the vulnerable members of the community—the children, the mothers and the women—who had previously been exposed to neglectful parenting, domestic violence or alcoholism. They now have a safe place to call home. All of that is under threat by the government's bill, which I oppose.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In the last few seconds that I have to talk about this issue, I want to come back to one of our local police officers, who has now moved on, unfortunately. When the proposition that this would have an impact on crime was brought forward, he said, 'Top cop backs cashless card and has a message for criminals: we will come for you.' This has not been the case whatsoever. This is wrong. The decision that Labor is making is wrong. It has been supported in the communities where the rollout has occurred because they know that it works, and the Labor Party will replace it with absolutely nothing.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This is where I fall short of giving my support to this legislation. Despite the failure of the cashless debit card to meet its intended outcomes, removing the card without appropriate support will not fix the very problem that it's trying to address. It seems both the government and the opposition agree on the problem; they don't agree on the solutions.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Michael Sukkar on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Michael Sukkar says the opposition will vote against the bill because repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will, in his view, increase alcohol and drug abuse and cause more harm in vulnerable communities.
“We know that abolishing the cashless debit card is going to unleash a tsunami of alcohol and drugs into vulnerable communities. We know that the people who will suffer the most from that tsunami of additional alcohol and drugs will be defenceless children who will be neglected and—predominantly—women who will suffer domestic violence.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Michael Sukkar says the opposition will vote against the bill because repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will, in his view, increase alcohol and drug abuse and cause more harm in vulnerable communities.
“We know that abolishing the cashless debit card is going to unleash a tsunami of alcohol and drugs into vulnerable communities. We know that the people who will suffer the most from that tsunami of additional alcohol and drugs will be defenceless children who will be neglected and—predominantly—women who will suffer domestic violence.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I am very pleased to join with my coalition colleagues who have spoken on the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022, expressing our strong opposition to the extremely regrettable and retrograde step which it proposes to take.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Some of their stories, their firsthand stories, are confronting and powerful. Some of them are very sad circumstances that relate to sexual abuse, suicide and a whole range of other awful things happening in communities. The common thread in all of their reports to this House and in these debates is the positive change that this measure has brought about in those communities since it was introduced. The fear that they have, as local members of parliament, is that if this bill passes, and if this important tool is taken away from those communities who are desperately trying to address significant challenges around alcohol abuse and other issues, unfortunately—what they report to us—they will see a repeat of the circumstances that occurred in those communities before this measure was available to them, and that positive change will completely reverse around.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's an indictment on you. I wish you'd change your mind. I won't be supporting the bill”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I know Labor really aren't interested in representing the vulnerable communities in South Australia or in the Goldfields in Western Australia, or the families in Bundaberg, Hervey Bay and Cape York who benefited from the CDC. I know they're pandering to the progressives in the city, far removed from the problems they are blind to, who think they're doing the right thing by our vulnerable communities but who really aren't. I say drop the scales from your eyes and look at the hard truth of the issue. Listen to the Noel Pearsons of the world. Listen to the families and the women who are asking for the cashless debit card to remain in place.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I literally pray for these communities, because when this cashless debit card is lifted and some of these families and people who are alcoholics and drug addicts and what have you start to get cash back into their hands this is going to be a very sad and traumatic day for the communities that are affected.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I must say, as I stand here today as the member for Grey but also the member for Ceduna, how saddened, deeply apprehensive and angry I am about the gutting of the cashless debit card.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We are supposed to be a parliament which backs Indigenous leaders. So what happens, Labor Party? Why aren't you listening to those leaders who want to take responsibility? I think this is disgraceful. I am angry about this. I am angry because we found something which was working and I'm angry because I know the impact which is going to be unleashed when this cash flows into these communities. The Labor Party, they're oh so righteous at the moment about the abolition of this card. And it's very easy for them to be righteous, knowing that their own children are sleeping soundly tonight in their nice suburban homes. Meanwhile, they'll be unleashing carnage on hundreds of children hundreds of kilometres away. I think that's a shame on the Labor Party. This is ideology trumping the safety of women and children. This is what's at stake. I hope the Senate rejects this, because this has been an initiative which has been making a difference, and it needs to continue.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The opposition opposes the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022. We believe Labor has recklessly walked away from the communities of Ceduna in South Australia; East Kimberley and the Goldfields in Western Australia; and Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in Queensland.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“That's the real world for these young people and for women in these communities. I would say that this government bill gives an absolute green light to more alcohol, more drug abuse and more violence in at-risk communities, which the members have spoken about so eloquently tonight.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We had something here. It might not have been politically correct. It was probably terribly politically incorrect, probably massively politically incorrect but it worked. It worked beyond the Auditor-General's report. And if it worked for one, it worked. But it worked for far more than that. There are about 18,000 people on this. It's working for a lot of those people. It has brought sanity back into their house—sanity.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The government's bill removes the ability for new entrants to be put on the cashless debit card and enables more than 17,000 existing CDC participants to be transitioned off the card. How sad, how dreadfully sad, for those families who, for the first time in a long time, had had money being spent on the things that families should be spending money on: food, clothing, school provisions for the children. One of the great advantages of the cashless debit card was that it wasn't able to be spent on alcohol, on gambling products, on some gift cards or to withdraw cash. I've heard the argument from those opposite that grandparents couldn't go out and give a few bucks to their grandkids for Christmas. I say poppycock to that, I really do. That's just a silly argument. I know that alcohol is such a dreadful disadvantage to these communities and to these families.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I'm proud to speak out against this bill and stand with my fellow members who have been impacted. I hope the minister will take the time to reconsider and understand that there are people who are impacted: 40 per cent—8,000 people, 8,000 families and many communities impacted by this decision.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So what's the plan? In the second reading speech, the minister mentioned he is going to transition people back to income management and back to the other cards. Well, what's the point? I mean, seriously. But to get rid of it altogether is just a tragedy, so I'm not in favour of it. It wasn't a sinister plan to privatise social welfare in Australia, as the minister outlined in his speech. It was a great initiative that had the runs on the board in the East Kimberley. The member for Durack has spoken in favour of it as has the member for O'Connor, the member for Grey, the member for Hinkler, mayors, individuals, social services; it's universal. It just doesn't make sense for this government to come in and destroy something that has been improving people's lives and that's why I'm against the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The problems facing these regional Aboriginal communities are real and monstrous. They are very different to the problems faced by similar communities in the cities. They are harder to see and harder to solve. The withdrawal of this card will be the second blow to many of these communities, after the revocation of the alcohol ban by the Northern Territory. Alena Kukla and Orlando deserve better than that. That is why I cannot support this bill, even with the amendments. And that is why I ask again: delay the bill, enlarge the inquiry and come back to this place with legislation that is designed to make a difference not tick a box.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“No, I said I acted for these criminals. The reality here is that what we're doing right now in this place is making Australians less safe. Let's be clear to those opposite: women will die as a result of the action you take tonight; children will die because of the action you take tonight; women and children will be sexually abused. The risks of this go off the charts; that's the reality.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In concluding my remarks, I want to reinforce just how disappointed I am that the government is seeking to extend the BasicsCard in the Northern Territory without consultation and without transparency whilst at the same time seeking to wind back the cashless debit card. Even though the government is seeking to walk back its bill with the amendments that have been moved and the provisioning of $50 million for additional drug and alcohol support services—because they themselves now realise the significant issues that will come if this critical program is watered down or repealed—the evidence clearly shows that the cashless debit card is a significant piece of welfare infrastructure in the communities in which it operates. More importantly, it is working. The idea that it would be repealed is a callous act of this government. It should not be removed, because of the importance of the effectiveness of the program, and the government should rightly be condemned for its act to do so.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I say to those opposite: you should reconsider this legislation. You should halt what you are doing, you should go out and you should properly consult. You've said that this is going to be a new parliament—you're going to let the sunshine come in, and it's somehow going to be different to what has taken place before. If you are true to your word, then you would not be putting this legislation through this House in the manner that you are at the moment: gagging debate and rushing it through this parliament so that proper consultation will not take place. And the sad reality is that, as a result, people's lives will be changed for the worse—people's lives will be changed for the worse.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“If that's not a reason to continue the cashless debit card trial, I don't know what is. I urge the House to oppose this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The opposition opposes the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022 and will oppose it vigorously. Evidence of that is the number of speakers who are prepared to stay after the parliament has finished to put their case. We will put our case because we were the architects of this bill and there are reasons we put it in place. It's worth remembering that the introduction of this card didn't come from any political grandstanding in regional communities. It didn't come from woke communities trying to put forward a better way of life. It didn't come from state governments. The genesis of this card, the genesis of trying to make Indigenous communities and regional communities better came from where? These aren't in the speaking points that would have been handed out to both sides of the House tonight. It came from a coroner's report. It comes from the death after death after death of those who lost their lives in communities through drugs, alcohol, illicit substances or whatever it might be, those who lost their lives due to family abuse, domestic violence.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm terribly sad about the lost opportunity in my electorate, because I think it was worthwhile. We're in politics, and being a member of parliament should not be a popularity contest. I know at times it is; you've got to get re-elected. But, quite frankly, sometimes you have to make courageous decisions because quite often the easiest path is not the best path. I had other towns in my electorate where the Aboriginal leadership was saying, 'Why don't you bring them here?' The time had elapsed, and we missed the opportunity. I think this is an incredibly bad decision by this government. I think people will be harmed by this decision. What is interesting is it's symbolic, because, back to the popularity thing, none of these trials were in Labor held seats. It's not like they need to do this to win the next election. What we see more and more is the virtue signalling. I was speaking about the virtue signalling last night with the change of distribution priority areas for medicines, and now we have doctors moving from more remote and isolated towns to more highly populated areas because of a decision that was made without thinking through the ramifications.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The abolishment of this card will flood the affected communities with welfare cash, in turn exacerbating the issues we have spent so many years working to curb: alcohol abuse, drug abuse, gamble addiction, children going without food, family violence. Now, I agree that the cashless debit card is by no means a silver bullet; we have never claimed that it is that. But we do know that the cashless debit card is having a positive impact on the lives of Australians who need it most. And let me tell you, Mr Deputy Speaker Goodenough: these Australians are some of our most vulnerable. If this bill, the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022, is passed, the Albanese government will be directly responsible for whatever horrible circumstances our most vulnerable are left to live with. Shame on Labor!”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Sarah Henderson on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Sarah Henderson opposes the bill because she says repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will worsen family violence, hunger and social harm in vulnerable communities. She argues the card is not a complete solution but has produced real benefits and that Labor is ignoring evidence and the voices of women who want it kept.
“So, as I say, I am absolutely sickened by this government's initiative to stop the cashless debit card, which enables women and children more freedom from family violence. It enables women to feed their families. They are not holding cash. There is no incentive for the menfolk to bash the women for cash, which they then use to go out and buy more alcohol.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Sarah Henderson opposes the bill because it repeals the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., which she says has helped vulnerable people and was backed by communities. She argues the government ignored women and other supporters of the card and mishandled its promise to abolish it.
“I condemn this government for its attempts to shut down the card. As I've mentioned and as we've spoken about in this debate, these amendments made it clear that this government got this completely wrong. Not only did it botch its election commitment; it's demonstrated that it has not listened in relation to the overwhelming benefits of this card and the enormous amount of good work that it is doing for so many vulnerable Australians. I condemn the Albanese Labor government for trying to shut down the card, and I hope and trust that common sense will prevail and that this card, which is doing so much good in so many communities, will continue.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The role of government is to improve the lives of people, not to actively make them worse. What the government is doing by pushing this bill through by any means necessary is making those most vulnerable worse off.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“It's important to note that some of the findings in relation to the cashless debit card have provided information about the improved impact on family stability. The second independent impact evaluation, by the University of Adelaide, reported that 45 percent of cashless debit card participants reported the cashless debit card had improved things for themselves and their family. This is clearly unnecessary legislation. It's being rushed into this place not to fix a problem but to create one. The Labor government still don't get that decisions have consequences. They will be responsible for every additional violent crime and neglected child that will inevitably occur as a result of the removal of this important income management tool. I oppose the bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Obviously, I think that the benefits outweigh any downside with this card, and I thoroughly would urge those on the other side to reflect on the potential damage that the repeal of the cashless debit card could cause, not just in Indigenous communities but in poorer communities across Australia, especially in regional towns. I'll conclude with that, but I will foreshadow the second reading amendment on sheet 1665 in Senator Ruston's name, as circulated in the chamber.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 4 contributions · 3 support
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Janet Rice, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Janet Rice says the Greens will support the bill because abolishing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. is an important step, but she argues it does not go far enough because it could shift people onto other forms of compulsory income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. that she says are punitive and racist.
“So the Greens will support the passage of this bill. However, we strongly oppose the provisions in the legislation that will enable the minister to move people from the cashless debit card onto other forms of compulsory income management like the BasicsCard or the new, enhanced BasicsCard. I want to be very clear that we will be moving an amendment to reflect that and to reflect our fundamental commitment that compulsory income management should not be imposed on anyone. Rather than being a genuine abolition of compulsory income management, the legislation as currently written will simply shift thousands of people, largely First Nations peoples, from one form of compulsory income management onto another with the same failings and the same punitive impacts. The Greens support an opt-in voluntary option for income management for those who want it. We welcome the announcement from the government that they will be moving towards ending all compulsory income management at some stage. But we think it can and should happen sooner. Compulsory income management is a failed punitive policy that can and should be removed as soon as possible.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Moved amendment
Janet Rice supports repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., but says the government should go further by ending all compulsory income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. and redirecting savings into community services and support.
“(b) urgently and significantly increase the funding for community and support services through a jobs and services plan, including redirecting any savings from the abolition of the cashless debit card to these services".”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“The Greens are proud to support this bill, after calling for the cashless debit card to never have been established in the first place. We will continue to fight so that all forms of compulsory income management are abolished.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We support the broad objectives of the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022 and thank the Labor government and the minister for acting quickly on this urgent issue. But we urge the Labor government to end all forms of compulsory income management with the same urgency. We must not let these racist and discriminatory practices continue.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 2 contributions · 1 oppose
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Pauline Hanson on this bill. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Pauline Hanson opposes the bill because it repeals the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases., which she argues has reduced violence, improved child welfare and helped people manage essentials in vulnerable communities. She says making income managementA separate welfare restriction system that keeps part of a person's payment for approved essentials instead of full cash access, and which some former card participants may move onto. largely voluntary will undo those gains and lead to more alcohol abuse, unrest and harm.
“One Nation supports the cashless debit card and income management being imposed on people and communities that clearly need it. I'm convinced that it does little harm and does much good, and I want to see the concept extended. To those who say that it unfairly targets Indigenous communities, I say: you're wrong, and you need to get out into those communities like I have. You need to be honest with yourselves and the Australian people and admit that problems like domestic violence, sexual abuse, drug and alcohol dependency, and unemployment are highly prevalent in Indigenous communities.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Pauline Hanson opposes the bill because she says repealing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will hurt vulnerable children and families in remote communities. She argues the card reduced violence and improved school attendance and that welfare payments should come with accountability.
“Let's be honest: the card was rolled out in these Aboriginal communities mostly because of the problems and issues that a lot of these communities are facing. Let me explain to the people who may be listening to the broadcast. The card was rolled out to ensure that people had 80 per cent of their money put on the card to be used to pay rent and buy food or essential services; 20 per cent was in cash to spend as they so wished. Over the period of time from the card being introduced, there were decreases in violence, domestic violence and children staying away from school. School attendance increased, violence was decreasing, children were better fed—it was helping.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
3 speakers · 4 contributions · 1 support · 2 oppose
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Jacqui Lambie, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Second reading speech
Jacqui Lambie argues against the bill because removing the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. will worsen crime, abuse and hardship in trial sites without a credible transition plan. She says the card failed as designed under the coalition, but where it is helping communities it should be kept or left available for people to opt into.
“Making the card voluntary is going to take that away. My question is: what's going to happen out there? I remember Labor saying that they didn't have the statistics, the data and all that. You guys are doing the same thing, so that's really unfortunate. There are also 4,000 people on the CDC in the Northern Territory in Cape York, and those people should be left alone. That system is working very well. Where it is working, leave it alone. If the communities want it, then let them have them. And leave the card there, so if anyone else has drug and alcohol problems in the future they can opt in. It's simple. I would also like to foreshadow that later I will be moving my second reading amendment, as detailed on sheet 1668.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Moved amendment
Lambie does not clearly state whether she will support the bill, but she argues the cashless debit cardA welfare program being abolished by this law that put part of a person's payment onto a restricted card so it could not be spent on things like alcohol, gambling or some cash purchases. should not be repealed without a transition plan to minimise disruption and maintain practical safeguards in affected communities.
“(b) orders that there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, by no later than 2 pm on Friday, 30 September 2022, a transition plan which includes an outline of the following:”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“I think it's important that we allow this to continue. I'm disappointed that this bill has been rushed through the House. We seem to have these urgent emergency powers now for nearly every bill that's before this place. I would urge the minister to sit down and spend time with the regional councils, who will bear the brunt of antisocial behaviour. The purpose for the card, while it was originally rolled out, was to address that antisocial behaviour.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill is far from perfect. But it is clearly a first step and is needed, and any significant delay in its passage will subject people to further distress. So I'll be supporting this bill.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Record
House · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
House · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
House · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 86 to 53.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
House · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 86 to 56.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Senate · Introduced and read a first time
Introduced
The bill was formally presented to the chamber and read a first time, which starts its parliamentary journey.
Senate · Second reading moved
Second reading opened
A minister or sponsoring member moved the second reading, opening the main debate on the bill's purpose and principles.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading debate
Second reading debate
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Senate · Second reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 32 to 24.
Second reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at second reading, meaning it accepted the bill in principle and allowed it to continue.
Senate · Committee of the whole: amendments considered
Amendment packages agreed
The chamber considered amendments before the bill moved to the next stage.
Senate · Third reading agreed to
Recorded vote: 33 to 26.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
House · Message from Senate reported
Message from Senate reported
The bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
House · Consideration of Senate message
House agreed to Senate amendments
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form.
Parliament · Finally passed both Houses
Passed both houses
Both houses passed the bill in the same form, completing parliamentary passage.
Assent · Assent
Assent
The Governor-General gave Royal AssentThe formal approval that turns a bill passed by Parliament into law., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (31/08/2022)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (4 Aug 2022): Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (31 Aug 2022)
APH bill page notes
