First Nations Telegraph

ALPA is pleased to hear that the Australian Government will abolish the previously planned Cashless Debit Card and is looking forward to consultations surrounding the future of the Basics Card and what this means for Territorians on forced income management.

 

ALPA Chairperson Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra OAM, says we are looking forward to working alongside Senator Malarndirri McCarthy on this matter and her role as assistant Minister for Indigenous Australians.

 

“We have known for a long time now that forced income management for Aboriginal Australians without proper consultations with the community has created far more challenges than benefits for those living in the bush with little room for economic independence and consumer freedoms.”, says Mr Gondarra.

 

Senator McCarthy says  she will be working closely with Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth to ensure Territorians are heard.

 

“The Coalition government spent more than $170 million on the failed Cashless Debit Card which did not help communities in the way it was intended to.

It’s important we see such an expensive, harmful and unsuccessful policy scrapped.”

 

“ I recognise that some people want to stay on income management on a voluntary basis, and it is important that option is still available for them if that is what they desire.”

 

Mr Gondarra has congratulated Senator McCarthy’s recent Labor party appointment and all of our other Indigenous parliamentarians who have secured a seat in this year’s federal electorates.

 

“It is a momentous time in history to witness a record high number of our first nations people to speak and represent at the highest level of Government. This gives me hope of meaningful change for our people.”

 

Senator McCarthy responded by saying, “it’s been fantastic to work alongside ALPA for many years, and I’m looking forward to working closely with Rev. Dr Djiniyini Gondarra as well as the many families and communities across Arnhem Land.”