Steve Irons (Swan, Liberal Party, Assistant Minister to the Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I rise to speak on behalf of the Hon. Paul Fletcher MP, the Minister for Families and Social Services. The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Income Management and Cashless Welfare) Bill 2019 extends the cashless debit card program for a further year in the first three sites of Ceduna, the East Kimberley and the Goldfields under the Social Security (Administration) Act 1999. This will allow the cashless debit card trial to operate in all sites until 30 June 2020. The bill will also extend income management in Cape York for a further year up to 30 June 2020. These measures aim to reduce the devastating effects of alcohol, drug and gambling abuse. The evidence shows that it is working, with reductions across the board. The continuation of the cashless debit card and the Cape York Income Management demonstrates the Morrison government's commitment to providing a sustainable social welfare safety net, reducing social harm in areas with high levels of welfare dependency and supporting vulnerable people, families and communities. I would like to thank all those who have contributed to the debate. I see the member for Grey in the chamber, who has been an advocate and a strong supporter of the trial site in Ceduna.

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