Don Farrell (SA, Australian Labor Party, Minister for Trade and Tourism) Share this | Hansard source

Well, I find that comment—

The TEMPORARY CHAIR: Senator Lambie, you don't have the call.

offensive and, look, I found in political life that civility, particularly in the Senate, has never been a weakness. I simply say to you that I totally reject the implication in your question. But, to try and provide you with more information about what the government is intending to do, we are committed to ensuring that people are able to come off the card as quickly as possible, and support will be available to those who need it, including for those opting for voluntary income management. We are setting up a Centrepay arrangement and referrals for local supports. It is critical that those who do need some extra help with the changes to their financial arrangements are able to get it. This may include an option for individuals to transition to voluntary income management programs.

The participants in the Cape York and the Northern Territory will automatically be referred to enhanced income management. These participants will continue to access a contemporary card with customer service and support such as replacement cards and account inquiries provided by Services Australia. Services Australia will provide a new card to people in existing CDC sites that volunteer for enhanced income management or to new people referred by the FRC. Income management participants in the Northern Territory and place based locations will have the option to access the modern technology and transition to enhanced income management from 1 July 2023.