This bill became law on Jul 3rd, 2023.
Welfare & housing
When someone moves from the old program to enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system., Services AustraliaThe government agency that runs the payment system and can move funds between the old and new income management accounts. can transfer the money left in their old income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. account into their new BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. bank account.
The old income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. system used outdated technology and processes, and feedback showed it no longer met people’s needs. This bill lets current participants switch to enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. with newer card and banking features, extends that system to the same main groups, and sends new entrants there instead.
Compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. had operated since 2007, and in 2022 Parliament repealed the Cashless Debit CardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. and created enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system., but many people were still on the older BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money.-based system. After the government said feedback showed the BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. and old processes were out of date, it introduced this bill in March 2023 to move new entrants and willing existing participants onto enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. and the SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features., with Parliament passing it in June and Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament. following in July 2023.
The main criticism was that the bill weakens or unwinds compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. without a clear transition plan, enough consultation, or proof vulnerable communities will be protected from more alcohol, drug, gambling and family harm. That case was raised mainly by Coalition speakers and went only so far, because several of them still said they would not stand in the way of the bill or supported it conditionally.
Amanda Rishworth MP introduced this bill. It passed with support from Labor, Liberal Party, Centre Alliance, Nationals, some crossbench members; opposed by Greens, some crossbench members.
Did it become law?
Yes
Became law 03 July 2023
Final passage
Recorded final vote
1 counted final-passage vote was recorded.
Passage speed
116 days
From introduction to the latest recorded parliamentary step
Meaning
When someone moves from the old program to enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system., Services AustraliaThe government agency that runs the payment system and can move funds between the old and new income management accounts. can transfer the money left in their old income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. account into their new BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. bank account.
People already on income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. can ask to move to enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. so they can use the SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features. and more modern banking features.
New people will no longer enter the old income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. program, and from the start date they will be directed into enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. instead.
Enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. now covers the same main trigger groups as the old program, including child protection referrals, school enrolment or attendance problems, state referrals, and vulnerable welfare recipients.
People on enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. can use a card account for most normal shopping and bill payments, but not for restricted items like alcohol, tobacco, pornography and gambling.
New subsection 123UP(2) provides that the Secretary may, on the payment day, transfer an amount equal to funds held in the person’s IM account to their BasicsCard bank account (within the meaning of Part 3AA) within 60 days of the person moving from the IM regime to the enhanced IM regime.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) explanatory memorandum
New subsection 123SIA(1) provides that a person who is subject to the IM regime under section 123UC (child protection), 123UCA (vulnerable welfare payment recipients), 123UCB (disengaged youth), 123UCC (long-term welfare payment recipients) or 123UFAA (other State/Territory referrals) under Part 3B can make a request to the Secretary to transfer to the enhanced IM regime. Such transfers will enable eligible people to access the more modern BasicsCard bank account and SmartCard under the enhanced IM regime. A request to transfer cannot be withdrawn or revoked.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) explanatory memorandum
Amendments made by this Schedule will cease individuals entering the IM regime under the above sections from the commencement day.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) explanatory memorandum
Item 17 creates new eligibility criteria for the enhanced IM regime in new Subdivision B (Child protection), Subdivision C (Referrals by recognised State/Territory authority) and Subdivision D (Vulnerable welfare payment recipient) of Division 2 of Part 3AA. The measures in new Subdivisions B, C and D mirror equivalent measures in Part 3B with appropriate adjustments.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) explanatory memorandum
Welfare recipients who are subject to the enhanced IM regime will have access to a BasicsCard bank account accompanied by a debit card (known as a SmartCard) that operates like a standard Visa debit card (except that cash cannot be withdrawn). A SmartCard can be used to make purchases at most merchants who can undertake EFTPOS transactions unless those primarily offer excluded goods or excluded services. People subject to the enhanced IM regime are also able to access a range of mainstream banking functions including ‘Tap and Go’ payments, online shopping and BPAY.Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) explanatory memorandum
Context
Compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. had operated since 2007, and in 2022 Parliament repealed the Cashless Debit CardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. and created enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system., but many people were still on the older BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money.-based system. After the government said feedback showed the BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. and old processes were out of date, it introduced this bill in March 2023 to move new entrants and willing existing participants onto enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. and the SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features., with Parliament passing it in June and Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament. following in July 2023.
Compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. begins
Hansard debate on the bill described income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. as a compulsory policy regime that had been in place across successive governments since 2007.
Hansard ↗Parliament repeals the Cashless Debit CardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. and creates enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system.
The minister said this bill built on 2022 legislation that repealed the Cashless Debit CardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. program and established enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system..
Hansard ↗Government introduces the next step from BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. to SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features.
In introducing the bill, the minister said it would let existing participants shift to the newer SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features. and direct new entrants into enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. instead of the old system.
Hansard ↗Parliament passes the bill
Both houses agreed on the final form of the bill, including Senate amendments, completing its passage through Parliament.
Parliamentary timeline ↗Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament. makes the reform law
Royal AssentThe final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament. turned the bill into an Act so the shift from the old income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. settings to enhanced income managementThe newer version of income management that uses updated card and banking features instead of the older BasicsCard system. could proceed under law.
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
Referred to Committee (09/03/2023): Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (06/06/2023)
Referred to committee
APH bill page notesThe Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills recorded consideration of the bill in Scrutiny Digest 5 of 2023.
Considered by scrutiny committee
APH bill page notesThe bill reached this recorded parliamentary step.
Recorded vote: 96 to 5.
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 the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
Consideration in detail debate
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 Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights recorded consideration of the bill in Report 5 of 2023.
Considered by scrutiny committee
APH bill page notesThe 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: 28 to 11.
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: 27 to 12.
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
Third reading agreed to
The House dealt with Senate amendments or requests so both chambers could settle the bill in the same form. The main amendments were: Observed added text: "Schedule 4—Obligations of Minister 67 Social Security (Administration) Act 1999The main law this bill changes to make the income management reforms work. 67 Schedule 5—Review by Parliamentary J…".
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 final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Key criticism
The main criticism was that the bill weakens or unwinds compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. without a clear transition plan, enough consultation, or proof vulnerable communities will be protected from more alcohol, drug, gambling and family harm. That case was raised mainly by Coalition speakers and went only so far, because several of them still said they would not stand in the way of the bill or supported it conditionally.
Criticism was real but mostly concentrated in Coalition arguments about safeguards, transition and retaining compulsion.
Weakening compulsory controls
Critics argued the reform was a step away from compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. and cashless welfare settings they believed had reduced alcohol, gambling and related harm in vulnerable communities.
Poor transition planning and consultation
A separate criticism was that the government had not properly explained the timetable, system readiness or transition arrangements, creating a risk of confusion and harm for people being moved into the new system.
Calls for stronger review of social effects
Opponents also sought extra parliamentary reporting on the social effects of ending earlier cashless welfare arrangements, showing concern that the bill lacked enough built-in accountability if harms increased after the change.
Further sources
Votes
The chamber-passage votes come first. Expand a vote to see the party breakdown.
House agreed to the bill's third reading on the voices, so there is no list of individual Aye and No votes for final passage in that chamber.
Passed on the voices
In a voice vote, members call out Aye or No and the presiding officer judges which side has it. Individual names are only recorded if a formal division is called.
Passed 27 to 12. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Jacqui Lambie Network, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Earlier bill-stage votes
Passed 28 to 11. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Jacqui Lambie Network, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Passed 96 to 5. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Centre Alliance, and Nationals. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Amendments grouped by chamber. These cards include amendment outcomes recorded without a counted division.
House
Passed 95 to 6. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
The House rejected a second-reading statement that would have put on record opposition to compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. rather than changing the bill text itself.
Passed 87 to 53. Support came from Labor and Greens. Opposition came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and Centre Alliance. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This removed the opposition statement from the second-reading debate and let the bill proceed without the criticism being adopted.
Passed 85 to 5. Support came from Labor, Liberal Party, and Nationals. Opposition came from Greens. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Rejecting the amendments left the bill's compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. framework intact and avoided a broader exit pathway being written into the law.
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 35. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, and UAP. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, Jacqui Lambie Network, and minor parties and independents. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
This kept the bill's second-reading motion unchanged and removed the Opposition's attempt to record support for restoring the cashless debit cardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored..
Defeated 28 to 32. Support came from Liberal Party, Nationals, UAP, and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Greens, and Jacqui Lambie Network. Minor-party and independent votes were split.
Rejecting the amendment meant the bill did not gain a reporting duty on the impacts of the cashless welfare transition.
Defeated 13 to 28. Support came from Greens and minor parties and independents. Opposition came from Labor, Liberal Party, Jacqui Lambie Network, UAP, and minor parties and independents.
Defeating the amendment left the bill's income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. settings without a sunset date.
The Senate agreed to Greens amendments adding cost reporting and parliamentary review requirements for compulsory income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account..
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 3 Australian Greens amendments agreed without a counted division.
Parliamentary debate
Start here — lead voices
Rishworth supports the bill and says it is the next step in Labor's reform of income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account., moving existing participants to the enhanced SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features. system and preventing new entrants from being issued the outdated BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money..
Read in Hansard ↗Paul Fletcher opposes the bill.
Read in Hansard ↗Sukkar says the opposition will support the bill because it lets people on the BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money. in the Northern Territory move to the updated card, but he attacks the government for abolishing the compulsory cashless debit cardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. and says the policy has harmed vulnerable communities.
Read in Hansard ↗Rebekha Sharkie supports the bill, saying it is needed to fix rushed post-election changes to income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. and to correct the problems caused by abolishing the cashless debit cardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. too quickly.
Read in Hansard ↗All speeches by bloc
6 speakers · 7 contributions · 6 support
“I commend the bill to the House, condemn the opposition's second-reading amendment and ask them to do better.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“What has changed is that the users of the SmartCard will have a superior experience to the BasicsCard technology. They will have access to cutting-edge financial technology like that which most of us enjoy. They will have more choice over how and where they can spend the money, and they will have an enhanced user experience with Services Australia. It is an important piece of legislation for communities in the Northern Territory and around the country, and, again, I commend the minister and I commend this bill to the House.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Today I rise to speak in support of the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) Bill 2023. This bill is the next step the Albanese government is taking to reform the previous government's failed income management program.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill, plus the changes we've already introduced, is what communities have asked for. That's what we have done—consulted, listened and acted—and we'll continue to do that.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
Hansard records 2 separate contributions by Amanda Rishworth, including an amendment-moving contribution. They are grouped here so the speaker is listed once.
Moved amendment
Rishworth supports the bill and says it is the next step in Labor's reform of income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account., moving existing participants to the enhanced SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features. system and preventing new entrants from being issued the outdated BasicsCardThe older card used under the original income management system for spending restricted welfare money.. She argues the changes are needed because the old card is out of date and do not alter the underlying eligibility rules or payment restrictions.
“The amendments made by this bill will facilitate an effective and efficient transition to enhanced income management for existing income management participants who choose to access the superior banking product, and ensure that new entrants into the program are provided with the contemporary technology of the SmartCard.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
Second reading speech
Rishworth supports the bill and says it will update income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account. technology, give participants access to the SmartCardThe newer card used for enhanced income management, with more standard debit-card style features., and keep the existing program settings in place. She also rejects opposition and Greens amendments because they would take the policy back to the cashless debit cardThe earlier cashless welfare card program that Parliament repealed in 2022 and that some speakers wanted restored. or roll back income managementA welfare system that limits how some payments can be spent so part of the money goes through a controlled account..
“I commend the bill to the House. I will say that the government obviously will not be supporting the second reading amendment moved by the shadow minister. Obviously, that is a call to bring back the cashless debit card, and we don't support that. Equally, we want to deal with income management. We're not proposing to roll it back; that is not what this bill is about. Therefore, we won't be supporting the second reading amendment by the Greens. I commend the original bill to the House and hope that the House does support it.”Read this contribution in Hansard ↗
“We have listened, this Bill responds to the clear message that the BasicsCard is out of date—that is it is important for this Bill to be dealt with as soon as possible.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
17 speakers · 10 support · 5 oppose · 2 mixed
“So we won't stand in the way of this bill; our support will be the thing that allows it to pass the parliament. But, to be frank, I don't think it's likely that the crossbench, and certainly the Greens political party, will support this. So our support is crucial to ensure that this happens, and I think that the least the government could do is commit to when it will commence.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“This bill unwinds compulsory income management, a policy regime which has been in place over successive governments since 2007. The government has described its new policy as 'enhanced income management'. In reality this is almost certainly nothing more than a euphemism for abandoning the policy.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“The overwhelming majority of my community supports the cashless debit card. Those opposite should hang their heads in shame. They fought against us when we tried to do exactly what they are doing they did with the BasicsCard. They removed this without community consultation. It was an across-the-board decision—'We are doing this because we are opposed based on our ideology.' As the member for Grey has said, it has unleashed chaos in some of these communities. Mine is very, very different, but it works and I will continue to support it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I don't want to get into an ideological war about income management, but, for goodness sake, Minister, listen to what the locals are saying. The locals understand the challenges they have in their communities, and they are now being exposed to more crime, more grog and more violence, and it's a less safe community for women and children. There's no shame as a minister in trying to make changes to make a difference in people's lives and then realising quickly you've made a mistake and cleaning up the mess. This government needs to clean up the mess it's creating in many communities by abolishing the cashless debit card.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“These are real people who, in my view, have been abandoned by this Labor government, a Labor government whose priorities are out of whack. They're out of touch of the needs of everyday Australians, and they are patently out of their depth on things that matter to everyday Australians. I speak on this bill concerned that this Labor government simply have no idea what they are doing—either that or they just don't seem to care. I'm not sure which one it is. Maybe it's both. While the coalition will not stand in the way of the government on this bill, we have a number of questions which those opposite have yet to this answer.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“In the meantime we've got this move from the Basics Card to the SmartCard. That is what this bill is about. Now we're worried about how the government is going to be able to do this transition. As I've said, the date for the transition to occur has changed, and there is a real concern about whether there is the IT capability to do it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“Now, we are calling on Labor in good faith. We are asking the government, having listened to the lived experience, having seen what is happening around this great country in those wonderful remote communities, to reinstate the compulsory cashless debit card, because it will not just save people's livelihoods; it will save their lives.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I rise this evening to support the government's bill, the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) Bill 2023, but also to support the amendment moved by the shadow minister, calling for the reintroduction of the cashless debit card across the current trial sites.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I am not standing in the way of this bill; I am simply holding the government to account on their promises made. Abolishing the CDC was a positive first step, but this revamp of the BasicsCard to the SmartCard cannot be the final answer. The government had much to say about the dangers of income management in the lead up to the last election, and I want to see that turned into tangible action that will make a demonstrable difference to the communities where income management is in place. I am committed to working constructively with the government, and I commend the minister for her continuing proactive approach to communicating with me. I hope that this bill is a further step on the road towards phasing out compulsory income management for good, and I will continue to resist any efforts to reinstate it in the future.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We submit that this unnecessary transition, which was imposed for ideological, not practical, reasons, will generate many thousands of customer interactions with Services Australia, imposing extra costs for every taxpayer and creating a burden of time and anxiety for those being transitioned off the CDC.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm grateful for the member's comments. I also support the Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management Reform) Bill 2023, which provides an improved card to replace the BasicsCard, it must be said. However, the tragedy is that the SmartCard is, by any measurement, a direct replacement for the cashless debit card; it's just without the compulsory component.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“We're not opposing this legislation, but we are making the point that people with a certain ideology and process, within the parliament, make big commitments in election campaigns without addressing what the people actually need and want, and what a difference it's made in certain communities, and what a blessing it's been to a lot of women and children who were better off under the old scheme. Does anybody think of that? I'll say that again: women and children. They're real people; they bleed. They could be my kids or your kids. It could be your wife, your sister or your family. And what do Indigenous people hold most sacred? Family. What we can do for family, as a nation, is get on with this legislation. We can recognise we've made a mistake and get this over with as quickly as possible because we may just save one life.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I will support this legislation. I hope the government has learnt a lesson on this—that we don't live in an ideologically driven landscape that's completely removed from reality, that we do things in this place that sometimes are not easy—and you have to fight for them—but make a difference in people's lives. These cards made a difference in people's lives. The government have created chaos with their changes. I will support them to try and get this back on track.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“But, as I indicated, we in the opposition are prepared to not stand in the way of this bill passing, subject to our sensible amendments being approved.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“So I support this bill, but I just want to put on the record that there's a dose of hypocrisy in retrospect coming from the other side because they argued against the CDC and have taken the exact same technology and are planning to merge all the people on the BasicsCard onto the new one.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“I'm happy to speak on this bill. We don't oppose this legislation, but this is change for change's sake. It shifts people from the BasicsCard to the smart card. It shifts people from income management to enhanced income management, whatever that means in practice. It is what comes next that is of greatest concern for electorates, like Nicholls, that have high levels of disadvantage. This bill extends the enhanced income management regime to include all of the measures that are already in place for the income management regime, and it gives people subject to income management the choice to move to enhanced income management and the choice to move from the BasicsCard to the smart card with an associated bank account.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
“As I said, we will support this bill. Obviously the government has a complete ideological obsession about not having compulsory income type policies. They want everything about this to be voluntary.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 oppose
“The Greens will not support this bill. I call on the government to remember that Australians voted for change, not more of the same cruel, punitive policies that prop up the profits of companies like Indue at the expense of people's quality of life. Compulsory income management does not work. It is demeaning and the government should be ashamed to be breaking their election promises by reintroducing it.”Read the full speech in Hansard ↗
1 speaker · 1 support
“I support this bill because we need to fix up what was, I think, a knee-jerk reaction after the election and very rushed legislation.”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: 96 to 5.
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 · Consideration in detail debate
Consideration in detail
The chamber considered the bill in detail and dealt with amendments before the next stage.
House · Third reading agreed to
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 agreed to
Recorded vote: 28 to 11.
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: 27 to 12.
Third reading agreed
The chamber agreed to the bill at third reading, which completed passage through that chamber.
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 final step that turns a bill passed by Parliament into an Act of Parliament., turning the bill into an Act.
Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (06/06/2023)
Referred to committee
Referred to Committee (9 Mar 2023): Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee; Committee report (6 June 2023)
APH bill page notesSenate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills; Scrutiny Digest 5 of 2023
Considered by scrutiny committee
The Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills recorded consideration of the bill in Scrutiny Digest 5 of 2023.
Considered by scrutiny committee (22 Mar 2023): Senate Standing Committee for the Scrutiny of Bills; Scrutiny Digest 5 of 2023
APH bill page notesParliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report 5 of 2023
Considered by scrutiny committee
The Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights recorded consideration of the bill in Report 5 of 2023.
Considered by scrutiny committee (29 Mar 2023): Parliamentary Joint Committee on Human Rights; Report 5 of 2023
APH bill page notes
