Ben Fordham, a radio host, criticised Anthony Albanese’s plan to end a divisive welfare program as being “too nice.”
The Prime Minister will eliminate the cashless debit card this week, which locks up to 80% of welfare payments into a restricted bank account.
It was meant to prevent cash withdrawals and purchases of specific goods, such as alcohol and gambling.
To phase out cashless debit cards for Australians, Labor made a significant electoral vow.
The 2GB broadcaster, however, attacked the government’s strategy on Friday, telling his audience that Mr. Albanese needed to face and deliver “tough love.”
In Ceduna, South Australia, East Kimberley, Western Australia’s Goldfields, Bundaberg, and Hervey Bay, trials have been carried out.
More than 17,300 people on welfare have taken part.
Since then, the experiment has been expanded to encompass Cape York and the Northern Territory.
The program was “brought in for a reason,” Mr. Fordham continued, and occasionally you “had to be cruel to be kind.”
Senator Jacqui Lambie of Tasmania had criticised Mr. Albanese for not seeking input from the public prior to removing the card, and his appeal followed that fervent request.
According to Social Services Minister Amanda Rishworth, there is “no proof” that the card deters individuals from binge drinking.