I welcome the vote to abolish the Cashless Debit Card in the House of Representatives. Since I was elected, I have opposed it at every opportunity. I voted against its extension in 2020. Had I been in Parliament today, I would have voted in favour of ending this punitive and discriminatory program which is unworthy of the country we aspire to be.
The former Coalition Government claimed the Cashless Debit Card would reduce alcohol, drug and gambling-related harms. Yet there was never any evidence that this Card actually worked. Last month the independent Australian National Audit Office confirmed that the former Coalition Government had not shown that the card was effective or reduced harms.
I can’t support legislation that is not founded on evidence-based policy. Without evidence to show the Cashless Debit Card was effective, what we saw was an expensive and punitive program which stigmatised participants, without widespread benefit for communities.
There are better ways to help people manage money in difficult circumstances, which are based on the principles of dignity and respect, not surveillance and control.
I am disappointed that Labor exploited fears about the Cashless Debit Card to run a scare campaign during the election. It was never the intention of the program to be rolled out to all welfare recipients.
Truth in political advertising is a much-needed reform in Federal politics and this government should legislate to bring that into effect. In regard to the CDC, I for one am glad this sorry saga is almost over.
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