The Queenslanders putting their hand up for cashless welfare card

Despite opposition when the cashless welfare card trial was first launched in Queensland, volunteers are now asking to be part of the scheme as the trial is expanded.

While the cashless welfare card was protested on its launch in Bundaberg, there have been volunteers to go on the controversial scheme as it rolls out in Cape York.

There have been 108 people required to transitioned on to the card in Aurukun, Doomadgee, Hope Vale and Coen since March as part of an expanded trial.

But there have now been 19 people in Aurukun volunteer to go on the scheme following referral from the Family Responsibilities Commission, an Indigenous-community led statutory body.

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston. Picture: NCA NewsWire/Bianca De Marchi

Under the cashless debit card trial, under 35s on JobSeeker and Youth Allowance have 80 per cent quarantined on the card to be used at stores for products and services other than alcohol, gambling or withdrawing cash, with about $200 each 28 days available to be withdrawn.

In Cape York and the Northern Territory people who were already on the BasicsCard, an older welfare income management scheme, are being transitioned on to the CDC.

Those who volunteer to go on the card, through a referral by the FRC, can do so for three, six or 12 months and unlike other trial sites, the rate of income can be quarantined from 50 to 90 per cent determined on a case-by-case basis.

It comes as Social Services Minister Anne Ruston today will announce a plan to establish a new scheme intended to provide additional support to JobSeekers on the CDC to help find a job.

Senator Ruston said the program, to be called the Job Ready Package would include courses in financial planning and specific training opportunities.

“The $30 million Job Ready Package will provide additional support for cashless debit card participants on their pathway to becoming job ready and, ultimately, securing employment,” she said.

The packages will be developed in consultation with communities where the CDC is being trialled, such as Bundaberg and Hervey Bay.