MEMBER for Mallee Anne Webster has backed calls to introduce a scheme overhauling welfare payments.
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At its federal council on Saturday, National Party members supported a motion calling for the federal government to implement a cashless debit card program nationwide for parenting or unemployment welfare recipients under 35 years old.
The federal council also endorsed a motion calling for the government to conduct an inquiry into the welfare system and whether it met people's needs.
A spokesman for Dr Webster said she supported both of these motions, though she did not attend the meeting.
The debit card program sees 80 per cent of unemployment and other welfare payments put onto a card instead of into a recipient's bank account. This aims to prevent spending on alcohol, drugs or gambling.
The government is trialling the program in five regions of Queensland, South Australia and Western Australia, and wants to extend it to two other regions.
Dr Webster said she shared similar views to Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the scheme could include some improvements.
"Social work includes listening to the needs of the vulnerable and advocating on their behalf and, where possible, partnering in their journey for change. The cashless welfare card program is a method that is being investigated to help people on their journey," she said.
Dr Webster also supported the government's proposal to drug test job seekers and put those who failed tests on income management plans.
"The government wants to see people who are able to work get a job," she said.
"This trial program is not designed to punish people, but to assist those for whom drug addiction is an issue, and to provide a pathway for them to get the help they need, to remove this barrier to workforce engagement."
Dr Webster has a background in social support, having founded organisation Zoe Support, which provides pre-birth support for young pregnant women and offers skills development opportunities for young mothers.
A spokeswoman for Nationals leader and Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack said MPs would now consider all motions, both carried and lost at the council, to determine the party's advocacy going forward.
Uniting Wimmera executive officer Josh Koenig said he would welcome any review into welfare benefits.
He said the organisation provided emergency relief funding, housing and homelessness support, and that demand for services was "always increasing".
"If they use the findings of the review against evidence to make decisions, that would be welcomed," he said.
"Cost of living in our area is going up, and a high percentage of our service users come through for support that is a result of unemployment and the welfare benefit not being adequate."
Mr Koenig said Wimmera residents on welfare faced unique challenges that governments needed to take into account.
"If you're living in a rural area, you might have to travel 100 kilometres a day for a job interview, and that's going to take its toll in the form of time, fuel costs and finding someone to look after children if the person has them," he said.
"It's important we don't think there is a quick fix or a one-size-fits-all approach."
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