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

The cashless debit card is a debit visa card, and it works just the same as any other key card in your purse or your wallet. The only distinction is that you cannot buy alcohol or most gambling products, or get cash. It can be used in over a million shops across Australia and can be used online, in comparison to the just 17,000 outlets which accept the BasicsCard. The cashless debit card, unlike the BasicsCard, can be used at pubs, clubs, restaurants and cafes to buy meals and non-alcoholic drinks. It can also be used to buy lotto tickets and scratchies. The government wants participants to have choice and freedom, and we have no issue at all with people who want to buy beer or have a punt from time to time. This program is about helping people to stabilise their lives, become job ready and, hopefully, get back into the workforce.