Review of transition away from cashless debit cards prompts calls for scheme to be reintroduced in Goldfields

The “mixed” findings of a review into the transition away from Australia’s cashless debit card policy have prompted calls for the scheme to be reintroduced in the Goldfields. The results from the University of Adelaide’s review of ending the cashless debit card policy revealed while there was some evidence the cessation had positive impacts on individual participants there were “no positive impacts” at a community level. Participants from the program’s four trial sites had up to 80 per cent of their welfare payments quarantined so it could not be spent on alcohol, gambling or withdrawing cash. The review revealed a clear divide in the views of former card users who mostly saw ending the program as a “positive step” and community stakeholders who were largely “disappointed” the program ended. It found “mostly negative” perceptions of the policy coming to an end, with concerns over financial management, alcohol misuse and child welfare. Former Kalgoorlie-Boulder mayor John Bowler told the Kalgoorlie Miner he was not surprised by the study’s findings. “As the originator of getting the cashless debit card to the Goldfields, I call on the Federal Government to reintroduce it immediately following the findings of a University of Adelaide study,” he said. “I am not surprised at the findings; those of us who live in regional Australia see the outcomes on a daily basis. “The Government should admit it was wrong in scrapping the card and reintroduce it as soon as possible.” Mr Bowler said the cashless debit card system ending was negative for Kalgoorlie-Boulder. “The number of people living and sleeping on the streets of Kalgoorlie-Boulder has increased since the card was abolished,” he said. “It is a terrible life for them and especially their children. “At a time of record under-employment, no one should be without a job in the Goldfields, so if recipients of the dole don’t like the card, get a job.” Mr Bowler’s views have been echoed by WA Opposition Leader Shane Love, who told the Kalgoorlie Miner the system should be brought back. “This report just lays bare their base political motives for undoing what was, I think, a worthwhile initiative and one that could have been rolled out in other communities throughout Australia over time,” he said. “The Government at the time claimed there was no positive benefits from the card — well they were wrong and we’re seeing the the abysmal situation which has unfolded in communities where there was beginning to be some hope, and some turnaround in conditions back into despair. “I think it’s pretty clear that for people in the regions where that card had taken effect, it was beginning to bear some positive results.” Fronting media at a press conference in Townsville earlier this month, Federal Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth was asked to comment on the outcome of the review. She emphasised the study was conducted more than 12 months ago, that it used “anecdotal” comments and it showed “mixed” views. “The report itself said that no causal link could be made to any antisocial behaviour and the withdrawal of the cashless debit card,” she said. “What we moved to was a voluntary income management program. We will continue to work with communities around what actually makes a difference. “We know that in many rural and regional communities, there are intergenerational problems and we need to actually invest in the things that work. And that is what we’ve been doing.” The Federal Government has contributed $174 million to former cashless debit card sites to empower and support communities.