Anne Ruston (SA, Liberal Party, Minister for Families and Social Services) Share this | Hansard source

Thank you, Senator Brockman. The fundamental changes that have occurred with the cashless debit card have been about making it easier and more streamlined, so that when people who are on the cashless debit card, or other income management systems, use the card it's much more simple. We've been working with the banks around Australia to make sure that EFTPOS machines in the maximum number of locations are able to use the card. We've also been working with major retailers to make sure that their EFTPOS is connected with their point-of-sale systems so that the card operates no differently from any other debit or credit card that anybody in this chamber would use. That is why we believe that the continuation of the trial sites across Australia, as announced on 25 March this year, is tremendously important. We believe the continued investment in technology will make this program better, as we believe investment in technologies will make the lives of all Australians better as they interface with their government.