MEDIA STATEMENT: Cashless Debit Card

MEDIA STATEMENT FROM KEITH PITT MP:

“I am pleased to see the Bundaberg Mayor’s public support for the Cashless Debit Card in local media today.

 “As stated in the Budget handed down on Tuesday night, the Cashless Debit Card will begin in the Bundaberg and Hervey Bay region once legislation is passed.

 “The Minister for Social Services has said he hopes to introduce legislation before the mid-winter break.

 “I have not stopped fighting for the Cashless Debit Card for Hinkler. It will make a difference in the lives of children who are missing out. Welfare is not intended to be used to buy alcohol or drugs. Welfare is for people to provide the basic necessities of life, when they need help from the Australian Government.

 “The level of support for the Cashless Debit Card in Hinkler remains strong at 75 percent of constituents who have contacted my office, been phone polled, emailed and surveyed. I am now being asked by constituents ‘When is the card going to start?, ‘What is the hold up?’.

“I don’t want to see anymore hold-ups. Labor needs to support the trial in Hinkler, as it previously supported the trials in Ceduna and the East Kimberly.”