Kevin Hogan (Page, National Party, Assistant Minister to the Deputy Prime Minister) Share this | Hansard source

I thank all those who have contributed to the debate on this bill. This bill is a critical part of the government's ongoing commitment to an effective welfare system that provides a strong safety net for Australians but also ensures that all Australians take up their responsibilities and make a contribution to our community. The cashless debit card aims to encourage socially responsible behaviour by restricting the amount of money available to be spent on alcohol and gambling in communities and supporting welfare recipients with their budgeting strategies.

The bill establishes the cashless debit card as an ongoing program at existing sites, providing certainty for participants, communities, stakeholders and leaders who know that the support of the cashless debit card will continue and that the positive results of the cashless debit card can continue. It also provides for the transition of income management participants in the Northern Territory and Cape York region in Queensland to the cashless debit card. The government will work with income management participants, communities and stakeholders to support the transition and will transition participants progressively to ensure appropriate support can be provided. The bill ensures that welfare recipients in the Northern Territory and Cape York region in Queensland have access to the best technology and the best process for welfare quarantining.

The cashless debit card program is delivering significant benefits for the communities where it currently operates. The program has an objective of encouraging socially responsible behaviour, supporting budgeting strategies and reducing the likelihood that welfare recipients will remain on welfare and out of the workforce for extended periods.

The government thanks the community leaders it has worked with and will continue to work with in the implementation of the cashless debit card. It acknowledges their courage and their leadership to assist members of their communities to break the cycle of welfare dependency, improve social outcomes and support people into employment. I commend the bill to the House.

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