Cashless Debit Card begins in the Goldfields

The Cashless Debit Card will improve the lives of people in the Goldfields community.

Around 3,600 people in the Goldfields community will receive the Cashless Debit Card progressively over the next three months, with letters to recipients starting to be sent out today.

The Goldfields region is the third location to receive the Cashless Debit Card, and demonstrates the Turnbull Government’s commitment to breaking the cycle of welfare dependency.

Member for O’Connor Rick Wilson MP has welcomed the introduction of the card to help the Goldfields community make positive changes to their lives.

“The Cashless Debit Card places 80 per cent of welfare money onto a card that cannot be used to withdraw cash, gamble or purchase alcohol,” Mr Wilson said.

“This means money is spent on the things that matter – like food, rent, electricity and school supplies.”

The Goldfields region’s assault rates are more than double the state average. Alcohol is a factor in two thirds of all domestic assaults, and alcohol-related hospitalisations are 25 per cent higher than the state average.

Minister for Social Services Dan Tehan said the Cashless Debit Card was making a difference in the communities where it operated.

“The trial sites of Ceduna, South Australia and East Kimberley, Western Australia have already seen less money spent on drinking, gambling and drugs,” Minister Tehan said.

The Goldfields region will also receive an additional $1 million over three years to ensure the community has well-targeted and effective services.

More information about the Cashless Debit Card is available on the DSS website.