Riverina residents are divided about the potential national roll out of the cashless welfare card after the Prime Minister praised the trial program.
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Scott Morrison told media outlets the card has been successful in stopping people spending money on gambling, alcohol and drugs, and removing some of the triggers of domestic violence.
Cashless welfare cards operate like regular bank cards, but cannot be used to buy alcohol, cigarettes or gambling products, some gift cards or to withdraw cash.
They are already being trialled in parts of South Australia, Western Australia, and Queensland. Participants can exit the cashless welfare card system if they can demonstrate "reasonable and responsible" management of their financial affairs.
Lockhart resident Nerida Lees is on a disability pension but still tries to look for work. She thinks the cashless welfare card is a great way to keep people accountable for their spending.
"I think it is very good as it will see major bills get paid upfront because sometimes we see kids get left without," she said. "I think it will help some people get back on track and learn how to manage their money. I do think there is a lot of people who have gone wayward ... it only takes one person to change your whole life."
The cards quarantine 80 per cent of welfare payments, and Ms Lees said it was important that some of the money would be left to the recipient to spend how they see fit. "I do appreciate welfare, and we are lucky to have it because a lot of us might not be alive if we did not have it," she said.
The government is also seeking the Parliament's support for a law to drug test Newstart and Youth Allowance recipients, a move Ms Lees wholeheartedly supports.
"Welfare is not out there to pay for that," she said.
"Welfare is there to give you basics and get you back on your feet."
Ms Lees said she would back the move, as long as it does not apply to those who use prescription medications.
Peter Burgess, diocesan president of the Wagga Central Council of St Vincent de Paul, said the organisation believes in the individuality of people. "Our concerns are that these cards largely take away the personal decision of how people use their resources," he said.
"On the surface, we can understand where the government is coming from, but it is a bit like a nanny state telling people how to spend their money.
"St Vincent de Paul believes in the individual."
Mr Burgess said the organisation is currently running a campaign to see Newstart increased, adding the current fortnightly payment was "insufficient to sustain people".