Michael Sukkar MP

ABOLISHING THE CASHLESS DEBIT CARD WILL WIPE-OUT TWENTY YEARS OF WORK

The Hon Michael Sukkar MP

Shadow Minister for Social Services

Shadow Minister for NDIS

Shadow Minister for Housing

Shadow Minister for Homelessness

MEDIA RELEASE

Tuesday, 16 August 2022

Abolishing the cashless Debit Card will wipe-out twenty years of work

The Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee heard from witnesses today in Bundaberg of how the Cashless Debit Card has made a real difference in communities.

Noel Pearson from the Cape York Institute told the Committee how income management and the Cashless Debit Card has made a positive impact in the lives of participants in his community.

Mr Pearson said the cashless debit card repeal legislation will “wipe-out twenty years” of his work.

Mr Pearson explained how income management has provided education opportunities to families, including books, sporting equipment and school excursions.

The Committee heard how one family saved $30,000 by the time their daughter graduated high school and those savings are now being used to buy a home.

The Cashless Debit Card is part of a series of measures introduced by the Coalition to help people improve their circumstances and keep communities safe, including the $30 million Jobs Fund and job ready initiative and $50 million for drug and alcohol residential rehabilitation facilities.

If this Bill is passed, Anthony Albanese and his inner city dominated Government will be responsible for every additional violent crime and neglected child that will inevitably occur as a result.

Further public hearings will take place in Darwin, Alice Springs and Canberra in the coming days.

Ends