Territorians on welfare not allowed to use BasicsCards to buy takeaway food

TERRITORIANS on welfare are not allowed to use their BasicsCards to purchase souvlakis and other takeaway food

Basics Cards cannot be used at any fast food outlets in NT — and Souvlaki Grill and Chill owner Alexis Kotis is not happy. Picture: Patrina Malone

TERRITORIANS on welfare are not allowed to use their BasicsCards to purchase takeaway food.

It has prompted a Darwin souvlaki shop owner to call for the Federal Government to reassess its policy.

The Federal Government introduced income management during the Northern Territory Intervention in 2007 in a bid to quarantine welfare money to be used on priority items such as food, clothing and health items.

The BasicsCard allows customers to access their income-managed money through businesses’ EFTPOS facilities and bans them from purchasing alcohol, cigarettes, pornography or gambling paraphernalia.

It also refuses them access at takeaway food outlets or cafes in the Northern Territory.

Souvlaki Grill and Chill owner Alexis Kotis said he often had to turn away parents wanting to purchase their children meals because he was unable to operate as a Basics-Card merchant.

“I find it heartbreaking when these kids come in clearly wanting to takeaway some meat, salad and pita bread and to not be allowed to accept the BasicsCard,” he said. “I was told that all takeaway food outlets are prevented from accepting the BasicsCard which I find cruel and unnecessary.”

The scheme has been criticised heavily in the past because it prevents cardholders - and those from the lowest socio-economic background - from shopping at retailers of their choice. It has also come under fire for allowing welfare recipients to be exploited by people who pay them to purchase items at lesser value.

A Department of Social Services spokeswoman said income management was about “priority goods” and all takeaway outlets - except those granted a community store license - could not participate in the BasicsCard scheme.

“This is to promote healthy and affordable food choices in line with the objectives of income management,” the spokeswoman said.