More than 5,000 people in four trial sites transition off the federal government's cashless debit card program after legislation allowed them to opt out from October 4, but critics say it will lead to a 'tsunami' of alcohol-fuelled violence in remote communities.
abc.net.au/news/cashless-debit-card-trial-exodus-federal-government-scraps-trial/101536478Figures show there has been a mass exodus from the federal government's cashless debit card trial since it was made optional, but critics warn it will lead to an increase in alcohol-fuelled violence in remote communities.Participants could transition off the scheme from October 4
Four trial sites were established nationwide — at Ceduna in South Australia, the east Kimberley and Goldfields regions in Western Australia, and at Bundaberg and Hervey Bay in Queensland. Figures supplied by the Department of Social Services show in the week to October 10, a total of 5,152 people, or nearly half of the 12,302 participants nationwide, transitioned off the card.Of the 41.8 per cent of participants who left the trial, 2,502 were indigenous Australians.
"The fact that 41 per cent of the eligible people have volunteered to come off the cashless debit card in the first week speaks to its unpopularity," Ms Rishworth said. Former social services minister Alan Tudge and MP Rick Wilson in 2017 consider Kalgoorlie-Boulder for the trial.
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