The Basics Card: A return to the 'Rations' days for First Nations peoples of Australia?

This paper discusses the controversial ways the Australian Commonwealth Government is enforcing the use of the Basics Card (BC) and Cashless Debit Card (CDC) (also known as Indue cards) as economic instruments, thereby preventing self-determination for many First Nations peoples and communities around Australia. Imposing these cards in communities has resulted in barriers to First Nations peoples’ social, cultural and economic rights. I will draw upon literature that addresses the implications and obstacles associated with these cards for many First Nations peoples receiving income support. Addressing the Australian Government’s’ historical and current involvement in the income management of First Nations peoples, this literature review considers the political contexts behind the decision to extend trials in communities and what this means for First Nations communities across these trial sites. In light of the Australian senate’s recent approval for a two-year extension of the CDC, legitimising the BC or CDC without providing robust research or evidence is highly problematic. Enforcement of these cards has not explicitly proven to counteract social or economic disadvantages for First Nations peoples. Clearly, it demonstrates that government policy is unjust and considered by many to be racist and punitive. The final component of this paper briefly evaluates the policy implementation so far, and in closing, advocates for the revocation of the current legislation, which disregards the human rights of First Nations peoples and others.