EMMA MCBRIDE MP
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR MENTAL HEALTH
SHADOW ASSISTANT MINISTER FOR CARERS
FEDERAL MEMBER FOR DOBELL

PENSIONERS AT RISK OF HEARTLESS CASHLESS DEBIT CARD

Thousands of Coasties who rely on the age pension are at risk of being forced onto the Cashless Debit Card Scheme by the Morrison Government.

They have a plan to force 80 per cent of people’s pensions onto a cashless debit card, so they can control and limit how pensioners spend their money.

Federal Member for Dobell, Emma McBride has criticised the move, saying pensioners across the Coast deserve better.

“There are over 21,000 people on the Central Coast who rely on the age pension,” Ms. McBride said.

“They don’t need to be told how and where to spend their money, especially by this Government.

“One of my constituents told me he’s a former accountant with a part-pension who knows how to manage his finances, and he wants to know if he’s going to be whacked with a surcharge every time he uses this card.”

Under the Morrison Government’s plan, pensioners on the Coast won’t be able to pay cash for their groceries, buy a meal at the RSL or even give pocket money to their grandkids.

“This is just heartless,” Ms. McBride said.

“That’s why I stood up in Parliament this week and backed in Labor’s bill to scrap the cashless debit card.

“This bill will save thousands of Australians from this cruel scheme and prevent thousands of others from being forced onto it.”

Pensioners deserve better.

WEDNESDAY 27 OCTOBER, 2021