The shadow treasurer has doubled down on claims the Coalition will introduce cashless welfare cards for aged pensioners. 

Bribie Island residents, who have a high pensioner population, have reportedly received pamphlets claiming cashless welfare cards will be made universal if the Liberal Party retains power.

The card is being trialled on welfare recipients in other parts of the country and is designed to prevent spending on alcohol and gambling.

Minister for Families and Social Services Anne Ruston has denied Labor’s claims, chalking the story up to a “desperate scare campaign”.

But shadow treasurer Jim Chalmers insists there’s grounds for the campaign.

“There are comments on-record from Scott Morrison, from Anne Ruston, talking about expanding the scheme, talking about it being a national platform,” he told the press this morning.

“Scott Morrison and Anne Ruston have thought aloud and raised the prospect of expanding this scheme.

“If they do it now in the teeth of an election, you know that you can’t believe them.”

Mr Chalmers said there’s no plans for Labor to back down from the claims.

“We make absolutely no apology whatsoever for standing up for the pensioners of this country.”

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