A CASHLESS welfare card that stops Wagga Newstart recipients from splurging taxpayer dollars on illicit drugs, pokies and booze would also reduce crime in the community, according to a councillor.
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Alcohol-related crime plummeted by 54 per cent and demand for homelessness services fell 42 per cent in Ceduna, South Australia – where government hand-outs have now been quarantined for one year.
Wagga councillor Paul Funnell believes the controversial scheme would drastically reduce rates of domestic violence and assault if introduced to Wagga. He claimed many of those on welfare struggle with addiction and need help managing their finances.
“I used to own a supermarket many years ago and a large amount of our clientele would go to the hotel next door – get drunk – and then return with no money begging for food,” he said.
“When a person is hungry and desperate, they do desperate things and that’s where you have to deal with the crime.
“If people can’t make an educated decision about their well being, then somebody else has to make the decision for them.
“I strongly believe the welfare card would reduce domestic violence and theft across our city.”
The welfare card ensures only 20 per cent of payment benefits can be spent on alcohol, drugs or gambling.
Recipients can use the 80 per cent of funds deposited into the card to shop online, buy groceries, clothes, pay bills and travel.
A part-time Wagga worker who receives a carers pension has slammed the proposal, claiming it groups government support recipients with drug addicts.
Susan Godfrey, a 45-year-old who cares for her mother on a full-time basis, said she feels belittled by the prospect of authorities controlling her spending.
“I look after my poor mother so much that I can’t work full hours so the least they can do is let me have my dignity,” she said.
“Why should I have the government controlling what I can and can’t buy because they just generalise me as an alcoholic and a drug addict.
“It’s humiliating and puts more pressure on people who are already struggling.”
It comes amid fears many of Wagga’s criminals are stealing phones, wallets and jewellery to exchange for drugs. “When people are stealing to buy drugs, you need to restrict their spending,” Cr Funnell said.
