It comes after debate surged over the controversial scheme – which would stop local Newstart recipients from splurging taxpayer dollars on illicit drugs, pokies and booze.

A spokesperson for the Minister for Small Business said Wagga was not on the government’s radar for welfare card trial locations.

However, that could change when an evaluation report is released at the end of the Ceduna, South Australia trial – where the card is currently active – in three weeks.

“The federal government has no intentions of rolling out the card at this stage,” he said.

“At the end of the trials, the government will compile a report and assess the effectiveness of the scheme.”

Alcohol-related crime plummeted by 54 per cent and demand for homelessness services fell 42 per cent in Ceduna, according to statistics by Human Services. 

A Wagga disabillty support pension recipient has since lambasted the proposal, labelling it as “discriminatory”. 

Nicola, who refused to provide her surname due to fear of retribution, said she has been labelled a bludger and a leech by Wagga residents.

“How are we meant to pay for school uniforms, the occasional lunch or dinner out or anything that isn't deemed a necessity if we don’t have any free cash,” she said.

“It’s not like we're boozing it up every night, or lighting up a smoke every 5 minutes.

“Wagga is supposed to be a community that is accepting – but from what I have seen – some are anything but.”

Councillor Paul Funnell last week argued the quarantined benefit scheme would drastically reduce rates of domestic violence and crime if introduced to Wagga.

His claims were met with a mixture of support, disgust and scepticism.

Estella’s Jenny Richards – a Newstart recipient herself – weighed in on Cr Funnell’s opinion.

“It would have the opposite effect where people become more desperate for cash and take greater risks,” she said.

“Desperate people do desperate things.

“Particularly with things like addiction, people will find a way to support it by any means.”

The welfare card ensures only 20 per cent of payment benefits can be spent on alcohol, drugs or gambling.