27th Sep 2022, 7:22 PM – Senate Social Security (Administration) Amendment (Repeal of Cashless Debit Card and Other Measures) Bill 2022 - Second Reading - Transition plan

The majority voted against an amendment to the usual second reading motion, which is "that the bill be read a second time". To read a bill a second time is to agree with its main idea.

The amendment was introduced by Tasmanian Senator Jacqui Lambie (Jacqui Lambie Network).

Motion text

At the end of the motion, add ", and the Senate:

(a) agrees that it is imperative that social disruption be minimised in trial sites where the cashless debit card is being repealed; and

(b) orders that there be laid on the table by the Minister representing the Minister for Social Services, by no later than 2 pm on Friday, 30 September 2022, a transition plan which includes an outline of the following:

(i) the administrative measures that will be taken by the Commonwealth Government to ensure cashless welfare participants will continue to have access to restrictable payments, including regarding any changes relating to those participants' bank accounts or bank cards,

(ii) the social and community supports that will be available to combat alcohol abuse, drug abuse and crime in program areas,

(iii) the measures that the Commonwealth Government will take to combat coercive control and financial abuse in relation to cashless welfare participants who are using the restrictions under the cashless welfare scheme to control their own finances, and

(iv) the Commonwealth Government's economic plan for the program areas, including what measures the Commonwealth Government will take to increase access to training and jobs in program areas".