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Direct debited social solutions : Comments
By Andrew Laming, published 10/5/2006Only further research can determine whether welfare debiting is the next big thing or an exercise in futility.
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They deem, in the interests of my children, that I'm to only get one third of my benefits as a monetary deposit in my nominated account. To access the other two thirds I'm given a 'smart-card' which can be used to purchase food, pay for electricity and fuel (even though I don't have a car). At first I'm really angry that my choices and liberties have been curtailed, and even angrier that I cannot spend all my money on booze.
However, after thinking about it I see a solution. I call a few friends and one comes to pick me up. We drive to the nominated fuel outlet (coincidently it is affiliated to a supermarket chain) and we put in fifty bucks of fuel. I pay using my smart-card and my friend gives me the cash. We then go to the supermarket where I buy two hundred bucks worth of food. My mate then give me a hundred bucks cash and buys me a couple of bottles of Jim Beam in exchange for the food.
I then get dropped back at home where I get smashed, ignore the 3 year old's plea for something to eat and have no idea where the 9 year old is. Situation normal, just a bit more hassle getting there.