Keith Pitt comments as Labor pulls plug on cashless card

The Cashless Debit Card has been squashed - but that doesn't mean all people will be getting off it. It’s welcome news to Hinkler MP Keith Pitt, a passionate supporter of the card.

The Albanese Government has been forced to make an embarrassing backflip on the Cashless Debit Card legislation, admitting it’s removal will have serious consequences for vulnerable communities, Hinkler MP Keith Pitt claimed on Wednesday.

Mr Pitt criticised a move by Labor that would allow tens of thousands of Australians on the card – which restricts spending on alcohol and gambling – to opt out from next week.

He said Labor, which promised to abolish the card, has had to put in amendments to extend trials in Bundaberg and Hervey Bay, Ceduna, East Kimberley and Goldfields – making it voluntary rather than removing it entirely.

“The Cashless Debit Card will continue to operate on a voluntary basis which is great news for those in the trial sites who wish to remain on it,” Mr Pitt said.

“Labor underestimated the level of support for the Cashless Debit Card and have had to make concessions to keep it in place and work on a new card technology which will be available in March 2023.

“From all reports, the new ‘enhanced’ card technology sounds exactly like the functionality that the Cashless Debit Card has now, but just called a different name.

“The anecdotal feedback I have continued to receive about the Cashless Debit Card is it has made a positive difference in our community, it is strongly supported and if people want to remain on it, now they can.

Kathryn Wilkes protested the card tirelessly.

“Labor have also been forced to make transitional plans for each of the four trial sites to ensure that there are necessary supports in place.

“I have repeatedly called on Labor to state what they will do to support people and the silence has been deafening.

“At last Labor will have to reveal how it will support the community with the option to no longer participate in the trial becoming available.

“Sadly, this should have been in place well before now, but our community could be waiting up to six months to see what these supports will look like.

“I hope Labor actually start listening to the concerns of communities and ensure that support measures are delivered in a timely manner.”

The cashless card trial has been a hot topic in the Hinkler electorate since it was first announced.

Over the years, several protests have been held in Bundaberg, with the card’s opponents claiming the measure was dehumanising and prevented them from budget shopping at cash-only stalls and op shops.

No Cashless Debit Card Australia‘s Kathryn Wilkes has been campaigning for seven years to end the card, and spoke out recently about her feelings.

Ms Wilkes, who campaigned despite never being on the card, said she was relieved and that “so many people will get their lives back now”.

‘The vilification of people on social security has to stop,“ she said.

Bundaberg Labor MP Tom Smith declined to comment.

Originally published as Keith Pitt comments as Labor pulls plug on cashless card