It is no secrete that welfare is costing us, the average tax payer, dearly. Millions, if not billions, wasted time and time again, most of which could be avoided simply by not paying cash.

From unemployment benefits, to old age pensions, single mothers, disability payments and beyond, often being wasted on things such as alcohol, tabbacco and gambling.

There is also child support which is often wasted.

All of this waste can be avoided, or at the very least dramatically minimized by the introduction of a simple debit card.

With almost every item sold today having a bar code, restricted items would simply become unavailable on these cards and, if the payee wants those items, another form of payment would be required.

You could even allow for say $40 per fortnight in cash withdrawals from an ATM.

Now while there are those who say that is unfair and a form of branding, the fact is the tax payer has every right to know his her tax dollars are being used for their intended purpose, and that's to help with the every day costs of living.

It's a simple solution to a huge problem and it almost makes one think that successive governments are dependent on this money being wasted so they collect the tax in the process.

By all means drink, smoke and gamble, but not with our money thank you.

rehctub

Many of the illegals who come here know that can get a lot more on welfare than they can earn by working at home. Unfortunately the Christian ethic of no work no food has been replaced by the Secularist ethic of no work free drugs, housing and smokes. We are a laughing stock to many.

While I have to agree with you runner, my concern here is how that welfare money is so easily wasted and, such a simple solution would appear to go a long way towards stopping this waste.

As for illegals, it appears to be a taboo subject on OLO, as I have made mention a couple of times about the outrageous amount they receive, both of which have been blocked.

I would prefer to tackle the waste first, then the way welfare is so easily handed out.

Australian welfare pays those who don't need & denies those who do need. It really is down under alright or rather back to front.

That sounds too Big Brother for me rehctub. Welfare is a hallmark of a First World country, and is the reason why we don't have as many homeless people nor people having numerous children to support them in old-age adding to growing poverty.

Personally I would rather a few dodgy dole bludgers which are by far the minority than mirror Third World Conditions. This is what is wrong with the US, First World Country with Third World problems in many areas including health, minimum wage and welfare.

From an ethical POV I have no issue with the age pension or disability pension.

There are many better ideas around for assisting long term unemployed (they are minimal) back to work including Work for the Dole, of which some are very successful and help provide experience and training.

There are also many government programs that are vote buying disasters or PC horrors that can be eradicated to allow a decent pension for older Australians, as well as ensuring the taxation burden is more fairly spread.

yeah a good idea
1 and a half years..ago..i got a letter from my govt
asking me to visit some docter..to get him to write me a letter to continue a deed of grant pension..[for him to say johan is crazy]

well i didnt..so they cut off the payment
in time cut of the discounts and even the pension card

so affectivly i have no id left
except a medic-care card...[i dont use cause i dont get sick]

anyhow they sent me two or maybe 3 letters
and for all they know im dead..[heck i might be at that]

the thing is this govt dont give a fuc
it expects me in my insanity to beg them..for help
but all i want to do is help others..but with an expired web acces[in december]..that oppertuinity to serve a system

that has rejected me
[and oppressed me and jailed me..
that i thus swore to never give my tax or court fines to

heck who knows if the system needs fixing
all i know is im over giving things away to the state that raped me

then takes away even the pittance it gives
and no follow up..no living person comming knocking asking whats going on...or how can we help

heck i could arrive on a boat
and be treated with more respect and service..
even see a dentist..but why bother...i hope that deep sleep comes soon

im over this nightmare
that the dreaming of oz has turned into

yep im a dreamer

squeers mention's
what alternative to capitalism
my reply reads

capitalisation...[monetising asset or skill]
or idea or id

or position or location

if you have a skill..right
thats credit worthy