One Nation leader Pauline Hanson say the cashless debit card has helped Indigenous communities and is stopping people from spending money on alcohol, drugs and gambling.
The Government is, apparently, one vote short of making the cashless debit card permanent in four trial sites and moving another 26,000 people in the Northern Territory and Cape York onto the card, because, as Pauline Hanson has declared, it has left Indigenous communities better off.
This cashless debit card is designed to reduce alcohol, drug and gambling abuse.
It was established under the Abbott Government and it allows people to buy groceries and pay rent, but does not work at bottle shops or gambling venues and it cannot withdraw cash.
Ms Hanson said Labor, the Greens and a number of crossbenchers were fighting the legislation, arguing people should be entitled to spend welfare money “the way they see fit’.
“Having gone to, in Kalgoorlie, a senate inquiry into this, it was clearly evident… that they needed some help by having this card in the community,” she said.
“Since, I’ve heard that it has helped the community.
“Reports are coming in that there’s less domestic violence, there’s less child sexual abuse, the kids are going to school, they’re better fed.”
Ms Hanson said if people wanted to spend money however they pleased, they should “go and get a job”.
“There is work out there if people really want it.
“I’m sick and tired of these handouts.
“We have got such a debt in this country; we will ever get over it if we don’t start reigning in and making people accountable for their money.
“They’re on the teat of the government.”