Published on Tuesday, 28 November 2017 at 12:00:00 AM
The Town of Port Hedland Council has adopted a position not to support the introduction of the Cashless Debit Card in the Town.
The decision, made at the Ordinary Council Meeting on 22 November, followed a notice of motion presented by Cr Julie Arif, and was approved in a majority vote from the Councillors.
The Cashless Debit Card was developed by the Commonwealth Government to support people, families and communities in locations where high levels of welfare dependence co-exist with high levels of social harm and underpinned by alcohol, drug use and gambling.
Trials for the card are under way in Ceduna and the East Kimberley, with the Goldfields to become the third region in Western Australia from early 2018.
The Department of Social Services has confirmed that Port Hedland has been raised as a region of concern and has been listed as a possible future trial site.
The Mayor of the Town of Port Hedland, Camilo Blanco, stated that the decision was made following a robust discussion by Elected Members.
“The introduction of the Cashless Debit Card was discussed at our Council meeting on Wednesday night and is an issue that people feel very passionate about.
“As a Council, we should be committed to ensuring that all voices are heard and that we work to achieve the best possible outcome for our local community.”
For media information:
Laura Hawes, Senior Communications Officer
(08) 9158 9365
lhawes@porthedland.wa.gov.au
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