Linda Burney (Barton, Australian Labor Party, Shadow Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you. The government has consistently failed to prove this works. It has refused to release the much anticipated $2.5 million University of Adelaide evaluation. This has caused significant hardship for the people placed on this card. Many have been prevented from purchasing basics and essentials at affordable prices. It is structurally racist, with two-thirds of participants being First Nations people—83 per cent in the Northern Territory, 82 per cent in East Kimberley. You only need to read Bridget Archer's speech to the parliament to be reminded of the anxiety about this card in the community.

The question now is: what happens next? It is clear that the government is determined to expand this card in a national rollout. The Prime Minister has foreshadowed it. The Minister for Families and Social Services foreshadowed it. Matt Canavan and Andrew Wallace are outright calling for a national rollout. Where next? Tasmania? Who next? Pensioners? The government needs to listen and learn. Continuing with this policy is a massive mistake and it's been brought upon the government by itself.

The original legislation passed the House of Representatives by one. The watered down legislation passed the Senate last night by one—hardly a ringing endorsement. The government was so exercised to get something passed that the legislation last night was what they got through. The original legislation that was sitting there in the minister's bottom drawer was more draconian and that sat there. The government was caught out not understanding community sentiment and resistance to this particular measure. I will finish up by saying extremely clearly to the House: Labor will continue to oppose this card. Labor will continue to oppose this legislation. Mandatory income management does not work.

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