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

I thank Senator O'Sullivan for his question. The short answer is no, and while the enhanced card—

We have been going quite well here tonight, Senator McKenzie, in a respectful manner. I respectfully listen to all of the questions, and I respectfully try to answer them without interruption. I do not interfere or interrupt the questions that are being asked, and I would like the same respect when I answer the question. I try to answer the questions as honestly and straightforwardly as I'm able to, and I would like to continue doing that, with your permission.

Well, you weren't here a bit earlier, but I did indicate that in politics I never saw civility as a weakness. In fact, I think we can generally behave in this place in a civil manner, respectfully deal with all the issues that you would like answered, and then, in due course, vote on the legislation and implement what the Australian people voted for at the last election, which is the end of this card. So, in answer to Senator O'Sullivan's question, no, while the enhanced card will retain some of the technical functionality of the CDC, this will be the case with any banking product with a debit card attached. The government has listened to communities; they want the functions of this type of banking product. However, the government's amendments establish a program with important differences to the existing CDC program.

All client interaction and management of the account will be done by Services Australia and not a for-profit company. The government firmly believes that participants should not have to deal with a private company, and our amendments return this role to government.