Welfare meeting financial services: The Cashless Debit Card dichotomy

Abstract

Australia has been developing and expanding its policies on compulsory income management. This has culminated in the introduction of the Cashless Debit Card. This card is intended to reduce access to discretionary cash that people may receive as part of their welfare payment. The limitation is designed to block people from accessing any services linked to alcohol and gambling. However, the introduction of this card means that welfare now falls under the Australian financial services arena. This article analyses the dichotomy that exists as a result of this intersection and focuses on highlighting inconsistencies between the two regimes.