Senate passes Big Brother cashless welfare card trials

My heart sinks reading this. It's started with the most disadvantaged Aboriginal people that gov social services haven't succeeded in stopping alcohol, drug, and gambling abuse. The trials have been passed to go ahead in the senate when Labor capitulated to the Lieberal rhetoric that all was OK and bla. 

The trials will no doubt further dehumanise and add to the lack of self esteem of those involved in it. Losing control of their own money to be preached to by the state as to how to spend it. I really feel for those people who will be affected as such.

I also fear for my own well being. I guess I'm just glad I'm as old as I am and will be eligible for retirement super payments in about 3 or 4 years. I'd hate to see these trials propagandised as some sort of success story to expand across Australia nationally. For me to lose control over my own money, after working hard full time for 30 years contributing for it, would be mentally devastating. 

The legislation will allow the government to trial the card in three sites, including Ceduna in South Australia from early next year. 

Welfare recipients will have access to only 20% of their funds through their normal bank account, including cash withdrawals. 

The remaining 80% of payments will be available only via the special Visa Debit card. People will be unable to spend the restricted portions of their payments on alcohol products or gambling services or withdraw those amounts as cash. 

Alan Tudge, the assistant minister to the prime minister, praised the Senate for passing the legislation. 

Tudge said the trials aimed to “reduce the welfare-fuelled alcohol, drug and gambling abuse that unfortunately occurs in some of our communities”. 

All working-age income support recipients within a trial site would be part of the trial and receive the card, he said. Aged pensioners and workers were not required to participate, but could volunteer to opt in. 

“A local authority will be established in a trial region which will have the power, on application, to adjust the amount that is placed onto an individual’s debit card,” Tudge said. 

“The individual would need to satisfy the authority that basic obligations are being met, such as regularly sending children to school. 

“The trial will be accompanied by additional investments in drug and alcohol and financial management support in each location, to assist people reduce or eliminate their dependence on alcohol, drugs or problem gambling.” more