Submission to the Senate Community Affairs Committee’s inquiry into the Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill | August 2022

Collective punishment is never the answer

We strongly support the end of compulsory income control imposed via the Cashless Debit Card. We welcome the Labor government’s swift action to deliver on this election promise. The Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022 is a step in the right direction towards ending all forms of income control across the continent.

The CDC repeal bill is a win for every person subjected to this card against their will. It is a win for
every person who will never have to be on this card. It is a win won hard and long. The Antipoverty Centre acknowledges the leadership of Aboriginal-controlled organisations in the campaign against cashless welfare and extends deep gratitude to all welfare recipients and other advocates who fought for this change, particularly those who have shared their personal experiences.

What people need is higher social security payments and better support services. Income control does nothing to meet those needs.

You can read the submission in full below and see our related media release here.