DEBIT CARD SHOCK

Karayarra elder Pat Mason. Supplied.

A Karrayarra elder said many people would more need time and lots of help to transition off the Cashless debit card.

When the Federal Government moved to trial the card five years ago in Port Hedland, Pat Mason was a vocal opponent of the move.

However, now that the Federal Parliament has voted to abolish the card this week, she said many people would find life very difficult without it.

“They should be given a choice,” she said. “Because of that learning curl of 17 years some people are now relying on that process because they feel happy to be on it, because they was part of the problem of drinking and things like that. That’s a managment they’ve actually endorsed in themselves to actually work effectively for them.”

In Western Australia, East Kimberley and Goldfields people on welfare payments have had to use the card, which only allows them to withdraw one fifth of their payments as cash.

They will be able to leave the scheme next Tuesday if they wish.