‘No blanket Basics Card!’

Clients at the Casuarina Centrelink in Darwin were treated to a singing protest on January 27 against the Basics Card. As part of the federal government’s Northern Territory intervention, Indigenous people in the NT have half of their welfare payments restricted to a card that can be used to buy only food, clothing and medical supplies at specified stores.

Rob “Kris Pistofferson” Inder-Smith sang and played guitar, protesting against his payments recently being put on the Basics Card without an adequate explanation. The words are published below.

* * *

Put me on the Basics Card ’cos I can’t manage my dough
As if being jobless ain’t a hard enough row to hoe
Anger rising anger not healthy I know
So won’t you tell me please then which way do I go?

Do I stay silent? Do I choose violence?
Do I pop in and talk to my local MP?

Put me on the Basics Card, part of a bigger show
Government failure is our punishment and woe
Race-hate politics, apocalyptic low
Won’t be happy till we’re all John and Jane Doe

What good is reason against the treason of those who would have me explode?
Shall I write a letter? Why not go one better
Invade Centrelink screaming no!

Put me on the Basics Card huh just to lighten up my load
But my gratitude I will not show
Offered me the Basics Card ’cos I can’t manage my dough
But I didn’t take it — to hell I told ’em all to go.

What good is reason against the treason of those who would have me explode?
Shall I write a letter? Why not go one better –
Invade Centrelink screaming no.

No blanket Basics Card! No blanket Basics Card! No blanket Basics Card!
No social engineering! End welfare quarantining!

Comments

Chris Pistofferson, right on man. He should get together wth Inders and start a band.

OK,,,so WTF are they trying to do to us NOW?

I am on a DSP,,through no choice of my own,,i had a back injury about 17 years ago, Ironically through a Government funded program to get us (so called dole bludgers ) back to work, was not covered by ANY insurance whatsoever,

Centrelink,(Social Security back then) refused to accept ANY liability, or even that i had an injury,

I am not an important member of the community ,,,so getting surgery to fix this problem is impossible, so i have to live with this pain 24/7

I go to the Doc, and sent home with painkillers and antidepressants ,,as i feel like there is not much to look forward to,,

After YEARS of arguing with Centrelink, and proof of this injury, i am now on a DSP,,,but NOT because of my crook back,,,,,oh no,,,,its because i have some kind of MENTAL illness,,,

NOW because of that i am seen as being "Vulnerable" and have the privilege of being placed on this Income Management Bullshit, when all along, all i wanted is to have my back fixed so i could go back to F*&^in work and build my own house ,

NOW they are going to put me on Income Management, just because of this?!?!?

WHAT A LOAD OF SHIT!!!!!!!!!

http://www.acoss.org.au/images/uploads/ACOSS_analysis_income_management.pdf just have a look at this, then investigate a little further,, you will be outraged!!

I am sorry to the Indigenous people, that my people are such disgusting, worthless, repulsive filth, that we'd even contemplate taking your civil rights away.

The people responsible for this should be hung.

So many people ruin it for everyone else, however in saying this at least i will know where my tax payer dollars are going. This way I know that families are budgeting their money properly i can't believe this didn't come out years ago.....

Judge me how you like. I have been working for 10 years and now I to need the support and assistance of centerlink and if they regulate my payments, that's no skin off my nose. I'm all for it. If your using your payments right then you shouldn't be worry

Newly Found Centrlink User

This card is a load of shit My sister is on it thankful not on it forever Doesn't help out much that there are only 3 shops in the area that use this dumb card and none of them are helpful.. 2 kids no car... all her income gets put on this stupid fucking card It is the most stupid thing i have seen causing more problems than its worth

If you like our work, become a supporter

Green Left is a vital social-change project and aims to make all content available online, without paywalls. With no corporate sponsors or advertising, we rely on support and donations from readers like you.

For just $5 per month get the Green Left digital edition in your inbox each week. For $10 per month get the above and the print edition delivered to your door. You can also add a donation to your support by choosing the solidarity option of $20 per month.

Freecall now on 1800 634 206 or follow the support link below to make a secure supporter payment or donation online.