By 2GB radio host Ben Fordham
Actions have consequences.
And the Labor Party has just made a terrible decision in Federal Parliament.
Don’t get me wrong.
Anthony Albanese has had plenty of ‘wins’ since taking over.
He’s done well on the international stage.
He’s just struck a deal with the Greens on his emissions reduction policy.
And he’s enjoying his honeymoon period.
But this one is a shocker.
Yesterday in Parliament – the cashless welfare card was officially scrapped.
The legislation to get rid of it – has passed the Lower House and now goes to the Senate.
And once it’s gone altogether, more kids will go hungry.
Actions have consequences.
And the consequences of this action are horrendous.
More money will be spent on alcohol.
More money will be spent on drugs.
More money will be spent on cigarettes.
More money will be spent on gambling.
Kids will go hungry.
They’ll miss out on fruit and vegetables.
Breakfast cereal, school lunches, and warm dinners.
Some people just cannot help themselves.
They’re so unwell, so sick with addiction issues, and they have no control.
That’s why we brought in the cashless welfare card.
It was brought in to help people.
To help people spend 80% of their welfare money on essential items.
To help people – to look after their children and give them the things they need.
To help people – to limit the amount of money they’re spending on things that are going to cause harm to their family.
I’ve had a frightening email from a lady who spends a lot of time in the Northern Territory.
Caroline says…
“Alice Springs is in crisis.
“I am shocked at the state of the town.
‘I am shocked at the state of the town.
“Assaults in the city are up 13%
“Domestic violence is up 15%
“Motor vehicle thefts have increased by 37%
“And these spikes have occurred BEFORE the Northern Territory recently removed the ban on alcohol.
“They need help.”
Well Caroline – they’ll need even more help when this card is taken away.
And yesterday’s development in the House of Representatives – set the wheels in motion.
It’s about to vanish.
Because the PM doesn’t believe in ‘tough love.’
It’s going to be carnage.
Not for the average family using the card.
But for the kids in the most desperate situations – it’s going to be carnage.
Have a listen to the politicians and community leaders on the front line.
South Australian Liberal MP Rowan Ramsey says:
“The card helps protect families from violence.
“Every day it helps feed and clothe children.”
Rick Wilson from WA says:
“The decision to scrap the card will unleash a tsunami of alcohol and drug-fueled trauma on my community.”
Queensland Nationals MP Keith Pitt says:
“A school principal tells me after the introduction of the card – the number of kids they had to feed before school halved…
Children started coming to school with lunch and families were paying their rent.”
The PM wants indigenous Australians to have a “Voice” to Parliament.
But he’s not listening to them.
Listen to Noel Pearson, Jacinta Price, and Warren Mundine.
And think of the poor children who don’t have a voice.
When you take this card away, it’s the kids who will suffer the most.
And the sales of cigarettes, drugs and booze will go up.
Sometimes, PM, you have to help those – who don’t have the power to help themselves!