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Under a potential Dutton-led government, there have been indications that the reintroduction of a cashless welfare card system, similar to the Indue Card, could be on the agenda.
Peter Dutton has publicly suggested reintroducing a version of the cashless debit card, focusing initially on Indigenous communities where social issues such as drug and alcohol abuse are allegedly prevalent. This was highlighted in discussions around welfare management and social responsibility. Posts on X have also suggested that this policy might extend beyond Indigenous communities to all pensioners, although these claims should be approached with caution as social media can sometimes amplify or distort information.
Dutton had consistently voted in favour of the cashless debit card system when it was trialed, indicating a historical support for such measures. However, his voting record on making the cashless debit card program either mandatory or voluntary is not conclusively clear.
The idea of reintroducing the Indue Card or a similar system has been met with both support and criticism. Critics argue it could impose unnecessary restrictions on welfare recipients, potentially stigmatising them and complicating their financial management. Supporters might argue it helps in reducing harm from alcohol, drugs, and gambling by controlling how welfare payments are spent.
In the context of the upcoming federal election, Dutton’s promise to reintroduce the card has been part of broader discussions on welfare policy, with opposition from those who see it as an overreach or a move towards privatisation of social welfare.
Given this context, while there is clear intent from Dutton to revisit the cashless welfare card system, the specifics on its scope (whether it will apply to all pensioners or just specific communities) would likely depend on the political landscape post-election, community consultations, and legislative processes. This would be a significant policy shift if implemented, drawing both support for its potential social benefits and opposition for its perceived invasiveness and control over personal finances.
Given that the cashless welfare card certainly contributed to the Morrison government’s loss in the 2022 election, one would expect that the Coalition would leave it in the dustbin. But no, evidently – from the snippets of information available – it’s not yet completely dead and buried.
Also by Michael Taylor:
The economy: Who does it better?
See also:
How the SmartCard Continues the Failures of the Indue Card
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When the coalition decide that something is a good idea, they
introduce it again and again and implement it when in Government. The GST came in this way, and was adjusted and modified somewhat till the electorate was sick of hearing about it. If authoritative people keep insisting something is a good thing, many people do accept that in the end. The sly conservatives also stress the value of Indue as a measure that helps minorities like Aborigines handle their finances and to control drug and alcohol use.
It is clear from its first iteration that many people caught in Indue's net last time suffered dreadfully. The ALP needs to make it a defining point of difference between them and the coalition
I don't know it may have 1 benefit, if all people receiving a payment from the Commonwealth, including it's own staff IE: public Servants, Political Staffers, Governmewnt Contractors and the Political Class (Politicians), then it may be seen for what it is. Class warefare and control, hence only those on 'Welfare' are good (bad) enough for this policy. I'd like to see the new PM on this card, oh what joy, it might even make for more clear headed deicision making, and clean up Barnaby to!!
Since Gina and Twiggy also get "free money" from Fed Govt maybe the way they spend their share of $14b a year should also be on a card strictly monitored.
The "Punching down on Social Security (NOT "welfare" that is American) recipients is a way of giving more "mates Govt money" by the CONservatives if they are voted in by the mean voter.
Properly funded and distributed Social Security shows a wealthy nation who cares and shares the National economy. Not only does it provide Security for the society but it also gives inclusiveness and support to those in need...aka a fair Govt providing its people with dignity and choice.
Enough LNPfail divisive cruelty. After all it could be YOU needing largesse one day.
The ONLY time when I think a cashless welfare card should come into being is for someone who is being treated for addiction while they're in detox and for no more than nine months afterwards. Once they know how to manage their money, they should be removed from the card. If they are on DSP, they should be allowed to receive it then as fully available.
Well, it is good to get here through Twitter.
Michael Taylor IS a truly good commentator.
It is of no surprise to me that Dutton is calling for reintroduction (and a possible spread of use) of the cashless debit card aka Indue Card for social security payments. It fits his ideology of control by 'punching down' on the less fortunate to restrict their freedoms, including their freedom, in the face of negligent government, to reinvent themselves into a better future.
But let's be more specific about his quest for brownie points through guile, and the old LNP process of succor for their mates by feeding them off the proceeds of the public purse. We must remember that the Auditor General found that the effectiveness or otherwise of the Indue Card was impossible to ascertain due to the wiles of the sitting (LNP) govt, and the smokescreen and lack of data available from Indue Card management and machinery.
As for the origins of Indue and its development via members of the LNP from a commercial vehicle into a sponsored private management vehicle privately benefiting LNP wheels by organized sucking on the teet of the public purse. As a reminder, it's a great read.
Typical of Dutton, he comes up with nothing original. His stench is simply an opportunistic brain fart, and a regurgitation of the fetid bile of his and his mate's sordid past. A regression.