Australia Trials Cashless Welfare Card

pablo128

As an aside, it would be some sight trying to impose this on our copper gathering brethren.

Benjamin Buttons

pablo128 wrote: »

As an aside, it would be some sight trying to impose this on our copper gathering brethren.

Let's not muddy the waters, you were playing a blinder up to now.

ceadaoin.

As I said on the other thread, loads of people here in the states trade the cards for cash so that they can buy drugs and/or alcohol so it's highly unlikely to change anything in Australia. It's just a money making operation for the company that runs the system which coincidentally is owned by the person who suggested to the government that this be implemented in the first place.

The One Doctor

Greybottle wrote: »

They could start here by arranging that Rent Allowance is paid directly to Landlords, but they can't even get that right.

HAP is paid directly to landlords, most LLs are going over to HAP now as it's quicker and easier.

PirateShampoo

ceadaoin. wrote: »

As I said on the other thread, loads of people here in the states trade the cards for cash so that they can buy drugs and/or alcohol so it's highly unlikely to change anything in Australia. It's just a money making operation for the company that runs the system which coincidentally is owned by the person who suggested to the government that this be implemented in the first place.

You can't trade the card, a new one isn't handed out every week like a voucher card, a simple ID check will put a end to that. They would have to go do the shopping for the people they are selling to, and how fast will you get a pain in ur tits doing that?

ceadaoin.

PirateShampoo wrote: »

You can't trade the card, a new one isn't handed out every week like a voucher card, a simple ID check will put a end to that. They would have to go do the shopping for the people they are selling to, and how fast will you get a pain in ur tits doing that?

Well according to some articles I've seen, people in Australia are doing just that. Happens frequently here too, it's naive to think that the hassle will put people off, it doesn't.

She had met a woman who told her she used her card to pay for other people’s groceries in exchange for cash. “She didn’t want the money for gambling or alcohol, she wanted it for her kids, to pay for school lunches and excursions and things like that,” she says.

Other people in the community told her that some businesses were charging higher prices to the welfare card, and giving people cash back – or a carton of beer – in return.

Similar stories were found by Guardian Australia in Ceduna. Several people spoke of how a local drug dealer had obtained an eftpos machine so that people could buy substances on their welfare card. Another woman said her friend had turned to prostitution to get cash.

People also said an accommodation provider in the town was allowing people to charge a night’s stay on their welfare cards in exchange for cash, though it would keep a percentage of that money for itself.

So not only do the people on receipt of these cards feels stigmatised and unfairly targeted by the government, it seems they are also now being exploited by unscrupulous businesses.

Jesus Wept

Captain Obvious wrote: »

What are you basing this on? Why exactly should I not be concerned about where the money taken out of my weekly pay is going?

.

Because the worry is no good for you m8. More to the point, it's not having any impact whatsoever.

suicide_circus

I can't see the downside to making the dole less attractive tbh

I know theyre not living the high life but it is undoubtedly a lifestyle choice for some.

Maybe target this initiative at these people specifically - those of sound mind and body of working age who have never worked.

Benjamin Buttons

suicide_circus wrote: »

I can't see the downside to making the dole less attractive tbh

I know theyre not living the high life but it is undoubtedly a lifestyle choice for some.

Maybe target this initiative at these people specifically - those of sound mind and body of working age who have never worked.

Eh, beauty is in the eye of the beholder. Whatever floats your boat, if it's so attractive why not try it yourself. Personally I've never heard a dole recipient describe his or her situation as good, great, attractive or even superb.
How do propose identifying and targeting those who in your opinion, but based on fúck all else but your opinion, are on the dole because of a 'lifestyle choice'?

suicide_circus

I have tried it myself. Wasn't that bad tbh. As long as you expectations are modest, 200 per week ain't bad when you also receive pretty much free accommodation plus medical card.

topper75

caniask86 wrote: »

Jobs should give this card to workers who they feel might go out on the weekend drinking or spend money on things that the employer doesn't agree with and not spend their money on groceries. It's alright cause they will get 20% in cash.

Hilarious - reminds me of one of illegal migrants being interviewed and asked why he was determined to go all the way to Sweden - "they have the best refugee wage." :pac:

wexandproud

steddyeddy wrote: »

Great then extend it to pensioners.

they wont care either