CASHLESS CARD TRIAL ENDS AND LEADERS SAY ISSUES ARE DEVELOPING

Geoff Haerewa. Credit: Geoff Haerewa, Facebook.

A Shire President in the Kimberley has told federal politicians that taking away the cashless debit card has caused more problems instead of resolving them.

The cashless debit card was a form of income management that aimed to restrict cash and purchases of alcohol as well as help curb illegal drug use and gambling.

Maori man and Shire President of Derby-West Kimberley Geoff Haerewa and other local government leaders attended a meeting about the cashless card program in Canberra with the federal opposition.

He told Ngaarda Media that since the trial ended, more issues have developed.

“There was more hospital admission, and also more domestic violence, and anti-social behavior,” he said.