Not serving the community: Why we oppose the Cashless Debit Card scheme

Consumer Action seeks to enhance the rights of consumers and promote a marketplace where business plays fair.

The Cashless Debit Card (CDC) undermines the role of the market in serving consumer and community interests, and instead places punitive measures on those that are forced to use the card in order to access their income support payments. We are concerned that the CDC unfairly places limits on freedom of choice and creates a secondary economy where welfare recipients end up spending more for goods and services by limiting their options to pay. The evidence also shows that the trials have been problematic and have resulted in adverse outcomes for individuals.

As such, we oppose the continuation of the CDC. Our full submission can be read here or below.

201019 Senate Community Affairs Legislation Committee – Cashless Debit Card inquiry
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