Cashless Card Controversy Reignited by New University Study

The debate over the Cashless Debit Card has once again flared up in Australia following a review into its removal. The controversial measure started as a means to address spending on alcohol in remote communities and soon resulted in trials in bigger regions. Originally proposed by Labor, it was later adopted by the Coalition in the form of trials in certain parts of Australia. Under the trials, people in receipt of Newstart had around 80 percent of their income quarantined to the cashless card, meaning they could not use that money for purposes such as gambling or buying alcohol. Opponents were angry because it meant certain people in receipt of benefits only had 20 percent of their income available as cash, with others complaining of issues paying some bills and occasional card failures leaving them out of pocket or forced to drive long distances to shop....