Question Without Notice No. 953 asked in the Legislative Council on 6 December 2017 by Hon Jacqui Boydell
Parliament: 40 Session: 1
CASHLESS WELFARE CARD — GOLDFIELDS TRIAL
953. Hon JACQUI BOYDELL to the Leader of the House representing the Premier:
I refer to federal Labor's decision to oppose trials of the cashless welfare card in the goldfields.
(1) Does the Premier agree with federal Labor members of Parliament Jenny Macklin and Linda Burney that there is no credible evidence to support the establishment of further trials of the cashless debit card?
(2) Has the Premier consulted with the City of Kalgoorlie–Boulder and other affected local governments on this issue; and, if so, on what dates?
(3) Has the Premier lobbied the federal government to bring this initiative to the goldfields; and, if so, on what dates?
Hon SUE ELLERY replied:
I thank the honourable member for some notice of the question.
(1) Although the cashless welfare card is a commonwealth matter, I am aware of the criticism of the evaluation and the effectiveness of the card. In my opinion, the trials should be undertaken only when the community is supportive.
(2) It is not the responsibility of the Premier to consult with local governments on a commonwealth government matter.
(3) No.