Thousands of Australian welfare recipients will be forced onto the cashless Centrelink debit card under a huge expansion of the scheme in the federal Budget. The cashless Centrelink cards cannot be used to buy items like alcohol, gambling and cigarettes, but only on necessities like groceries. Under the controversial scheme, 80 per cent of welfare recipients' Centrelink payment goes directly onto the card rather than into their bank account, preventing it being wasted on unnecessary spending. Funding will also go towards improving drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the cashless debit card sites. Pictured: Treasurer Josh Frydenberg handing down the 20221-22 budget on Tuesday eveningFunding will also go towards improving drug and alcohol rehabilitation services in the cashless debit card sites.

Source: Daily Mail May 12, 2021 00:43 UTC