Support for debit card trial goes cold

Aboriginal elders and community advocacy groups have rejected a trial of the cashless welfare card in Geraldton, while Nationals MLC Paul Brown has surprisingly reversed his decision to support an introduction of the card.

A letter sent to Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull from representatives of Aboriginal non-government organisations said the decision to oppose the card was based on concerns about effects the card could have on recipients’ lives.

The letter highlighted that for Aboriginal organisations and people, accepting the introduction of a cashless welfare card would “revert to past practices of control and oppression of human rights”.

Geraldton Regional Aboriginal Medical Service chairman Sandy Davies said the introduction of a card would disproportionately affect Aboriginal people.

“A mandatory card system belongs back where it should be and that is prior to 1967; reintroducing a card system is not going to close the gap nor be a realistic solution for the many issues in our City of Greater Geraldton,” he said.

While dismissing the Federal Government’s plans, Mr Davies suggested there could be another option.

“We totally reject the Commonwealth model but a card system such as trialled in Cannington WA is not out of the question as it is voluntary and it is based on a person’s situation,” he said.

Meanwhile, Mr Brown said the decision to backflip on his original welfare card stance was based on discussions he had with a number of community groups.

The decision comes as a surprise because only recently, Mr Brown visited a number of community groups alongside Janette Cotterell, who was actively campaigning for the introduction of the card on behalf of mining magnate Andrew Forrest.

He called on Human Services Minister Alan Tudge to remove Geraldton from consideration as a trial site.

“I was initially happy to consider the benefits of implementation of a trial and the investment in community services it might have delivered,” he said.

“However ... the overwhelming opinion has been that the welfare card is not welcome.”

Labor MLC Darren West also questioned the level of community support for the proposal.

“Neither the Member for Geraldton nor any of the Upper House members have come out in support,” he said.

“The City is neutral despite a 2009 council motion opposing income management in the City. Further, the mayor has not offered support in an official capacity and even the local Chamber of Commerce and Industry has no formal position.

“We need to empower our local community; the threat of a cashless card trial does the opposite.”