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

I thank Senator Dodson for his question. Clearly, Senator Dodson has not heard what I said in my response to the primary question, which is that the policy of this government is reflected in the bill that is before this chamber as we stand here now.

But we need to be really careful that we actually tell the truth and put the facts on the record when we discuss this card. There are many misconceptions that are spread around about this card, and there was an attempt to perpetrate another one in this place a few minutes ago with the question from Senator McCarthy. I've now had the opportunity to read the ASIC letter that has been sent to Mr Stephen Jones MP, the shadow Assistant Treasurer, and I'll just read you a line out of that letter:

However, section 12DL does not prohibit the unsolicited issue of the debit card, or a deposit account to which the debit card is linked …

I think that categorically states the answer.