Australian centre-right Liberal senator Jacinta Nampijinpa Price has warned that the government’s plan to scrap the Cashless Debit Card system could lead to a resurgence in alcohol-related crime and violence in remote Australian Aboriginal communities.
Meanwhile, towns where the system has been implemented, say it has been successful in reducing alcoholism and related crime and note the lack of consultation over the abolition of the program and what will replace it.
“Why Labor wants to axe the scheme is a complete mystery to anyone who has spent time in these communities,” Price said in a statement on Friday.
“Like I’ve said before, where the Cashless Debit Card system is used, there is a decrease in drug and alcohol issues, crime, violence and anti-social behaviour.”…