Author Topic: Basics Card (Read 13726 times)

fuji · « **on:** July 09, 2012, 06:38:30 PM »

I hope this doesn't offend anyone as it is not the intention to do so.
Bring on the Basics Card!
WYNO

UR-50-LO · « **Reply #1 on:** July 09, 2012, 06:56:29 PM »

And next will be food stamps and a cheque written directly to your real estate pfft...
Some people may be dole bludgers drinking or smoking their money away but some are genuinely looking for work or old age pensioners, or disabled etc. I just recently went on the dole as my work cut our hours back from 38 5 days a week to 16 2 days a week which I can not live on obviously. ATM I am struggling to find a permanant job and have resorted to temping all over Sydney at stuff all notice and only get work now and then there. I have 3 kids, plenty of bills etc and am far from being a bludger but who knows whether I will be working tomorrow, next week or next month with this agency bullShit. All I know is I don't want to line up in a single file line because the grocery shop only has the 1 basics card ATM machine and be made to feel like a bigger piece of Shit then I already do. Give me a 38+ hr a week job any day, this dole stuff is shyte!!!

BigJules · « **Reply #2 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:01:59 PM »

I reckon things like the Basics Card will always be targeted at particular groups rather than imposed blanket style across all recipients of benefits.

Tjupurula · « **Reply #3 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:11:22 PM »

Hi Wayne
I must agree with you, but I can only speak for Aboriginal Communities. Most of the people here at Mulan, Balgo and Billiluna have Basics Cards, and they are more than happy with it. The children are getting properly fed and clothed, and the people have access to fuel and other items, but not smokes, grog or pornographic materials.
On the Basics Card they can tell Centrelink how much they want from their pension or dole put into the card, and the rest goes into their standard savings account, and there is a lot of people here who get all but $50-00 into their Basic Card, and they find they have all they need.
I do not think if people are sensible they should be forced to have it, but people with drinking or gambling problems, whom use more than can afford, meaning less food on the table, then yes, put them on the Basic Card. My wife actually chose to have one, so that her family could not pester her for money...they would not dare ask me for they know my favourite answer is "No, get a damned job".
I understand UR-50-LO comments, and I feel for them, as apparently work is getting hard to find in the cities. Here in the Kimberley and over in the Alice, about the only qualification you need is being able to read and write, there is so much work and so few workers.
Regards
Tjupurula

just startin · « **Reply #4 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:12:23 PM »

Basics Card will not suit all but at least it will cover the staples in life. And put the baby bonus on it also and while at it, the weekly/monthly payments made buy separated parents to look after ( feed, clothe, and shelter their children) so the money is not spent on alcohol/smokes and plasma TVs ! Been involved in the last one

Tjupurula · « **Reply #5 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:17:29 PM »

Quote from: BigJules on July 09, 2012, 07:01:59 PM

I reckon things like the Basics Card will always be targeted at particular groups rather than imposed blanket style across all recipients of benefits.

Big Jules, I think originally the Basic Card system was meant for Aboriginal Communities, becauser of the chronic gambling and drinking, fighting and all the rest of it. The Basic Card system is now something the majority of the people like, as it means they can live better. I know of several families where the man constantly bashed the woman for the money, now it doesn't happen because the wife doesn't have the money, it is that simple. People like me do not have to step in at horrid hours stopping a drunk mongrel from belting his wife, and if that comment is not politically correct, I don't care. I have not had to patch anyone up after being battered for nearly 2 years, and that is because the people know the money is simply not there to get.
Tjupurula

Ricklanga · « **Reply #6 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:19:50 PM »

Quote

I just recently went on the dole as my work cut our hours back from 38 5 days a week to 16 2 days a week which I can not live on obviously

That's still a bloody long week mate... Sorry couldn't help myself. Seriously though UR-50-LO, I hope something turns up soon. I've been there before & like you absolutely hated it. The problem with welfare is that it is the minority that make it difficult for the rest of us. I think such a system should be reserved solely for those who are proven to be mismanaging such welfare payments.

--
Richard.

fuji · « **Reply #7 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:24:57 PM »

I have been on the dole and I know what its like, it is aimed at people who dont look for work and just want taxpayers to pay their way. I see them every day hanging around drinking beer and smoking. We have a housing commision area where I work and nothing ever changes. If they are genuine they have no worries. Not like the goose on t.v. who threatened war if they bring it in. LOL

D4D · « **Reply #8 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:29:28 PM »

Sales in Woodstock Bourbon would go down if the brought in the basics card...

fuji · « **Reply #9 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:33:03 PM »

Quote from: D4D on July 09, 2012, 07:29:28 PM

Sales in Woodstock Bourbon would go down if the brought in the basics card...

LOL

Desert lover · « **Reply #10 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:49:32 PM »

Great info Tjupurula... agree totally with you from experiences in the communities around the George Gill Range. Bring it on I say!
Sue

BigJules · « **Reply #11 on:** July 09, 2012, 07:56:39 PM »

Quote from: BigJules on July 09, 2012, 07:01:59 PM

targeted at particular groups rather than imposed blanket style

It does seem to have been effective in helping some folks who can't help themselves. I am pleased to hear those first hand accounts.

In NSW there has been a trial announced in some urban centres, aimed at areas of welfare fraud.

fuji · « **Reply #12 on:** July 09, 2012, 08:20:02 PM »

I guess it is similar to the alcohol ban in the NT. however people drive hundreds of kms to try and beat the ban.

Tjupurula · « **Reply #13 on:** July 09, 2012, 08:33:06 PM »

Quote from: WYNO on July 09, 2012, 08:20:02 PM

I guess it is similar to the alcohol ban in the NT. however people drive hundreds of kms to try and beat the ban.

What alcohol ban in the NT Wayne. Anyone can actually buy as much grog as they want, it just requires photo identification to get it. They have a database which is connected to the police and the courts, and if anyone is done for an alcohol related offence, even drink driving, the Magistrate can impose a ban on that individiual. The photo identification is scanned at the alcohol outlets, and if the person is banned by the courts, then they cannot buy grog. There is no blanket ban as such.
Tjupurula

becboo · « **Reply #14 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:14:24 PM »

I think it's a great idea

I work hard for my cash, hubby works hard for his. We pay more in tax than the average earner

I feel for those who are genuinely looking hard for work. But then i dont think they need to be embarrassed

I think these cards are directed at those who don't care to work.

elle.mac · « **Reply #15 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:30:08 PM »

The alcohol ban in NT (well east arnhem land) is as Tjupurula said but also we have to ensure we get a permit first to buy takeaway alcohol. Also along with that means we can possess or consume liquor at home or the residence of other permit holders within the East Arnhem General Restricted
Area or those areas defined as exempt areas within East Arnhem Land.

Tjupurula · « **Reply #16 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:30:22 PM »

Quote from: becboo on July 09, 2012, 10:14:24 PM

I think it's a great idea

I work hard for my cash, hubby works hard for his. We pay more in tax than the average earner

I feel for those who are genuinely looking hard for work. But then i dont think they need to be embarrassed

I think these cards are directed at those who don't care to work.

Hi Becboo
Your last comment there is a bit harsh. As I have previously said, the majority of people here (on social payments), receive them either because of their age, or the fact they have young children at home. 99.9% of the others, of working age, are working. In the communities they can only earn, for the most part, about $300 a week, and that in very remote areas is almost a non existent wage. The program they work under is parallel with "working for the dole", and they all do as many hours as they are legally allowed to, under the CDEP (Community Development Employment Project) Grant. Many of them supplement their pay with art and the like, but they are existing on the bare bones, not much else.
The cards were originally directed at those with gambling and drinking problems, which meant the kids were not getting enough to eat.
Regards
Tjupurula

areyonga · « **Reply #17 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:34:31 PM »

I like some of the comments on the TV, like "its my money and I will spend it how I want", but is it their money, or is it the tax payers and should we as the tax payer have the right to know its being spent wisely, I think so, what do you think.

fuji · « **Reply #18 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:51:06 PM »

Quote from: Tjupurula on July 09, 2012, 08:33:06 PM

What alcohol ban in the NT Wayne. Anyone can actually buy as much grog as they want, it just requires photo identification to get it. They have a database which is connected to the police and the courts, and if anyone is done for an alcohol related offence, even drink driving, the Magistrate can impose a ban on that individiual. The photo identification is scanned at the alcohol outlets, and if the person is banned by the courts, then they cannot buy grog. There is no blanket ban as such.
Tjupurula

Thats the one, I think we need it everywhere providing it works. Can they go across the border into W.A. And buy grog?
Wayne

fuji · « **Reply #19 on:** July 09, 2012, 10:53:25 PM »

Quote from: areyonga on July 09, 2012, 10:34:31 PM

I like some of the comments on the TV, like "its my money and I will spend it how I want", but is it their money, or is it the tax payers and should we as the tax payer have the right to know its being spent wisely, I think so, what do you think.

Couldn't put it better myself. X1000000000000
I dont think there is a work for the dole program in Victoria at least. If there is, there are alot of people working by walking around doing nothing. I love debates
Wayne

Crockett · « **Reply #20 on:** July 09, 2012, 11:06:26 PM »

Quote from: D4D on July 09, 2012, 07:29:28 PM

Sales in Woodstock Bourbon would go down if the brought in the basics card...

Allready happened, that was the alco pops tax, it was $39 for a carton of 440ml cans pre-tax.
I still remember customers complaining,,,,

Tjupurula · « **Reply #21 on:** July 09, 2012, 11:33:55 PM »

Quote from: WYNO on July 09, 2012, 10:51:06 PM

Thats the one, I think we need it everywhere providing it works. Can they go across the border into W.A. And buy grog?
Wayne

Yes Wayne, they could go across the border to buy grog, but where. In Kununurra there are restrictions, only 1 caron of beer and one bottle of spirits. In Halls Creek and Fitzroy Crossing there is only light beer, no spirits, and the only other alternative is Broome. A heck of a long way to travel for grog from the territory, probably not financially viable.
Regards
Tjupurula

becboo · « **Reply #22 on:** July 10, 2012, 06:40:13 AM »

Quote from: Tjupurula on July 09, 2012, 10:30:22 PM

Hi Becboo
Your last comment there is a bit harsh. As I have previously said, the majority of people here (on social payments), receive them either because of their age, or the fact they have young children at home. 99.9% of the others, of working age, are working. In the communities they can only earn, for the most part, about $300 a week, and that in very remote areas is almost a non existent wage. The program they work under is parallel with "working for the dole", and they all do as many hours as they are legally allowed to, under the CDEP (Community Development Employment Project) Grant. Many of them supplement their pay with art and the like, but they are existing on the bare bones, not much else.
The cards were originally directed at those with gambling and drinking problems, which meant the kids were not getting enough to eat.
Regards
Tjupurula

I apologise to you Tjupurula if you are offended. I didn't mean to offend you.
I do personally know people who are bludgers unfortunately. I see how they spend their money.
I am glad it works in your community. It is good to hear the good points of the cards. Some people need the help of others and it affects us all as we are one big community.
Cheers
Becboo

fuji · « **Reply #23 on:** July 10, 2012, 06:41:26 AM »

Quote from: becboo on July 10, 2012, 06:40:13 AM

I apologise to you Tjupurula if you are offended. I didn't mean to offend you.
I do personally know people who are bludgers unfortunately. I see how they spend their money.
I am glad it works in your community. It is good to hear the good points of the cards. Some people need the help of others and it affects us all as we are one big community.
Cheers
Becboo

X100000

Tjupurula · « **Reply #24 on:** July 10, 2012, 09:36:29 AM »

Quote from: becboo on July 10, 2012, 06:40:13 AM

I apologise to you Tjupurula if you are offended. I didn't mean to offend you.
I do personally know people who are bludgers unfortunately. I see how they spend their money.
I am glad it works in your community. It is good to hear the good points of the cards. Some people need the help of others and it affects us all as we are one big community.
Cheers
Becboo

Hi Becboo
No, I wasn't offended, I just had no choice but to take a defensive stance for some of my family and relatives here. The Walmajarri and Kukutja people here are only one and a half generations from being nomads. Many ofthe people here around my age (not me) were Nomads until about 30 years ago, walking around the desert still hunting and gathering food, and making daily shelters and fires from the cold. They do not have the same skills as the majority of people, and have no knowledge at all of "budgeting", and trhe same goes for many tribal people in desert areas. Most people here have never seen a big city, though my wife and I have been to Alice Springs and Broome (both are too big for us).
I have never received any money from the Government, even working to get myself through University in the 80's and through Trade School over 30 years ago as well. When I was unemployed, I walked around Fitxroy Crossing and sometimes Halls Creek all night, picking up aluminium cans and taking them to a recycling point, made a good living doing that.
All in all my point is that the Basic Cards may have a been a control method introduced by the government, but the people found that it has allowed them to make sure they have the necessary funds to get the daily staples. Basic Cards have dramatically reduced the drinking and gambling, and a very positive spin off from that is the violence (domestic) has also dramatically dissipated.
Many people have mentioned the "dole bludgers" in towns and the like. I cannot and should not comment about such people, as I have not seen what others have seen. I know for a fact that Wayne (WYNO) is not judgemental, and sincerely cares about people, he would not raise such an issue without the valid reasons he has mentioned in the thread.
Regards
Tjupurula

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Author Topic: Basics Card (Read 13726 times)