Protecting Pensioners from the Cashless Debit Card 2021

# Protecting Pensioners from the Cashless Debit Card Bill 2021 ## What it does This bill winds down the Cashless Debit Card scheme earlier than planned. Instead of running until the end of 2022/early 2023, the scheme would end in February 2022. The bill also requires the government to create local jobs and services plans for the affected areas before shutting the scheme down. ## Why it matters The Cashless Debit Card restricts how welfare recipients can spend their money—it blocks cash withdrawals and limits purchases at certain venues. Ending it sooner means pensioners and other welfare recipients in these areas get back full control of their payments faster. It also signals the government must invest in local jobs and services to genuinely help communities, rather than relying on spending restrictions. ## Key details - **End date:** The scheme closes in February 2022 instead of December 2022/January 2023 - **Affected areas:** Ceduna (SA), East Kimberley (WA), Goldfields (WA), Bundaberg and Hervey Bay (QLD), and Cape York (QLD) - **New requirement:** The Minister must publish written plans for local services and jobs in each area by 31 January 2022 (or within 7 days of the bill passing, whichever is later)