Joint Media Release
(26k)Senator the Hon Joe Ludwig
Minister for Human Services
The Hon Damian Hale MP
Member for Solomon
6 October 2008
BasicsCard proving a winner – next stop Darwin
The Australian Government’s BasicsCard is proving a winner with customers and shop owners as its introduction into communities in the Northern Territory steps up.
Minister for Human Services, Senator Joe Ludwig, said people on Income Management in Darwin would start receiving the BasicsCard from this week.
“The BasicsCard is delivering a better system of Income Management across the Northern Territory, ensuring welfare payments are spent in the interests of children,” Senator Ludwig said.
“Almost 2,000 customers have received the BasicsCard since it was first introduced in Katherine, and then Alice Springs, last month.”
“And over 100 stores and businesses in the major urban centres of the Northern Territory have activated their EFTPOS system to process BasicsCard transactions.”
Senator Ludwig said the launch of the EFTPOS-based, pin-protected card has been extremely successful, with positive feedback from customers and shop owners.
“Feedback from customers has been extremely encouraging, with many people visiting Centrelink offices, often with family members in tow, to pick up what has quickly become known as ‘the green card’,” he said.
“The speedy take up of the card shows that Labor’s Income Management solution is a much more convenient way for Australians to shop and put food on the table for their kids.”
“Shop owners have also responded positively, with the BasicsCard reducing red-tape and increasing competition by allowing customers to use the one card at multiple stores.”
Local Member for Solomon, Damian Hale MP, is confident the BasicsCard will be just as popular in Darwin.
“This is great news for residents in Darwin who can use the BasicsCard at any approved outlet including supermarkets, butchers, clothing shops and major national retailers,” Mr Hale said.
“It’s a much more flexible way of shopping and is already showing its worth in Katherine and Alice Springs.”
The BasicsCard is progressively rolling-out through the Northern Territory, this week starting in Darwin, with Tennant Creek and Nhulunbuy to follow.
Any shop selling or providing priority goods and services can accept the Basics Card once they apply and are approved. Shop owners must agree not to sell excluded goods such as alcohol, tobacco and pornography, or dispense cash, through the BasicsCard.
Important Centrelink Numbers
| Customer (for balances and lost/stolen cards) | 13 2594 |
| Merchant Helpdesk | 1800 039 417 |
Media Contacts
Minister Ludwig’s Media Contact: Sarah Cosson — 0423 823 843
Mr Hale’s Media Contact: Brett Walker — 0401 119 789.
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