Concetta Fierravanti-Wells (NSW, Liberal Party, Minister for International Development and the Pacific) Share this | Hansard source

The cashless debit card looks and operates like a normal bank card; however, it does restrict the purchase of alcohol, gambling products and gift cards and cannot be used to withdraw cash. People on the card receive 20 per cent of their welfare payment in their usual bank account, and 80 per cent of their welfare goes into the debit card. For example, 100 per cent of lump-sum payments from Centrelink and family tax benefit also go into their cashless debit card. The card does not change the amount of money that people receive from Centrelink. It only changes the way in which people receive and spend their fortnightly payments. The card of course is not the answer to all of those communities' problems, but it does lead to some fundamental improvements in communities with high levels of welfare dependence and social harm.