Indue Cashless Welfare Card
The AWP does not support the Indue Cashless Welfare Card. We would not support any type of similar system. We feel it targets disadvantaged groups further stigmatising the unemployed and those on social security including people caring for aged and disabled relatives. Its aim seems to be punitive rather than progressive as Centrelink payments are already far below poverty level. There is no independent monitoring for effects to those put on the card. There is no proof that it does any good with independent reports countering government claims. The Australian National Audit Office has criticised present government reports of successes as based on flawed data with the ANAO pointing to a 17 percent increase in Ambulance call outs for Kununurra and Wyndham between April and October 2016 than the previous year.
There is potential of greater harm than good attached to the use of the Indue Card, for instance additional mental stresses from stigmatisation and limited budgeting opportunities. There are no positives to its existence.
Ironically, to add insult to injury, the card prevents frugal living by not allowing the purchase of used or locally grown goods for cash.
There is no reason, other than a political one, which justifies any CDC scheme. The Indue Card is run by a private company at great expense to public finances. The card benefits fifteen major corporations only:
Ayden
Australian an New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Australian Settlements
Bank of Queensland Limited
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
Citigroup Pty Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Coles Group Limited
Cuscal Limited
First Data Network Australia Limited
Indue Limited
ING DIRECT
National Australia Bank Limited
PayPal Australia
Suncorp Bank
Tyro Payments
Westpac Banking Corporation
Woolworths Limited
Local and small businesses are exclude. Furthermore, many of the individuals connected currently or previously with the set-up and expansion of the scheme have been identified as LNP donors; this casts doubt as to the ethical nature of the whole scheme and its operation. Beyond this point however, the harm caused by the card to the individuals is dramatic. The human cost is what is most important and the CDC scheme is designed to erode the rights and dignity of the people who access benefits.
The CDC/ Indue Card scheme was created to attack, punish and stigmatise the unemployed and those on social security. It is unethical, unreasonable and unacceptable. Our position on it is unwavering; we do not and will not support it in any manifestation. Should any of our candidates be elected to Federal Parliament, they will fiercely advocate the dismantling of the scheme.
The AWP does not support the Indue Cashless Welfare Card. We would not support any type of similar system. We feel it targets disadvantaged groups further stigmatising the unemployed and those on social security including people caring for aged and disabled relatives. Its aim seems to be punitive rather than progressive as Centrelink payments are already far below poverty level. There is no independent monitoring for effects to those put on the card. There is no proof that it does any good with independent reports countering government claims. The Australian National Audit Office has criticised present government reports of successes as based on flawed data with the ANAO pointing to a 17 percent increase in Ambulance call outs for Kununurra and Wyndham between April and October 2016 than the previous year.
There is potential of greater harm than good attached to the use of the Indue Card, for instance additional mental stresses from stigmatisation and limited budgeting opportunities. There are no positives to its existence.
Ironically, to add insult to injury, the card prevents frugal living by not allowing the purchase of used or locally grown goods for cash.
There is no reason, other than a political one, which justifies any CDC scheme. The Indue Card is run by a private company at great expense to public finances. The card benefits fifteen major corporations only:
Ayden
Australian an New Zealand Banking Group Limited
Australian Settlements
Bank of Queensland Limited
Bendigo and Adelaide Bank Limited
Citigroup Pty Limited
Commonwealth Bank of Australia
Coles Group Limited
Cuscal Limited
First Data Network Australia Limited
Indue Limited
ING DIRECT
National Australia Bank Limited
PayPal Australia
Suncorp Bank
Tyro Payments
Westpac Banking Corporation
Woolworths Limited
Local and small businesses are exclude. Furthermore, many of the individuals connected currently or previously with the set-up and expansion of the scheme have been identified as LNP donors; this casts doubt as to the ethical nature of the whole scheme and its operation. Beyond this point however, the harm caused by the card to the individuals is dramatic. The human cost is what is most important and the CDC scheme is designed to erode the rights and dignity of the people who access benefits.
The CDC/ Indue Card scheme was created to attack, punish and stigmatise the unemployed and those on social security. It is unethical, unreasonable and unacceptable. Our position on it is unwavering; we do not and will not support it in any manifestation. Should any of our candidates be elected to Federal Parliament, they will fiercely advocate the dismantling of the scheme.