General
Controversial cashless welfare program trial extended for two years
Trials of a controversial cashless welfare program will be extended for another two years, after the Federal Government failed to win support to make the scheme permanent in some communities.
Key points:
- The bill was opposed by Labor, the Greens and independent senators Jacqui Lambie and Rex Patrick
- Opponents of the program say it disproportionately impacts Indigenous Australians
- Social Services Minister Anne Ruston says the program has reduced alcohol consumption and gambling
The Senate agreed to continue trials of the Cashless Debit Card (CDC), which has been labelled “racist” by some critics, after the Coalition put forward last-minute amendments to placate Centre Alliance senator Stirling Griff.
Under the CDC program, 80 per cent of an…
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