Community Meeting Against Income Management

Wednesday, August 29, 2012 - 18:00 to 20:00

Location: Rose and Crown Hotel, 100 Philip Highway, Elizabeth South

Come along to this community meeting to hear from Mark Leah, Director of Welfare Rights Centre SA, about Income Management and its affect on the Playford area. All are welcome to attend.

Some background on Income Management:

On July 1, Income Management was introduced to the Playford area. It affects welfare recipients deemed "vulnerable" by Centrelink, those referred to Centrelink by child protection agencies, and those who volunteer for income management. Affected recipients will have 50-70 percent of their welfare payments transferred onto the BasicsCard, which can only be used to buy certain items at select stores.

But the Federal Government (and the Opposition) has made no secret of the fact they would like to see the policy extended to the entire country.

Its extension beyond the Northern Territory, where it has operated since the 2007 Intervention, comes despite the lack of evidence that IM works; that it improves the wellbeing or financial situations of recipients. Rather, it humiliates, micromanages, and stereotypes the most vulnerable members of the community.

And Income Management is expensive: it is expected to cost $4,600 per person every year. That money that could provide better financial counselling, education, employment, and other support services. Money that could raise Centrelink payments above the poverty line making it easier for recipients to make ends meet.

To hear more information, make comments or ask questions please attend the upcoming forum.

Hosted by Socialist Alliance.

Further information: pas.forgione@yahoo.com or 0411587663.