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Aboriginal key-card introduced to stop booze, porno buying

A new welfare key-card will be introduced to specific Aboriginal communities in a bid to reduce spending on alcohol, gambling and pornography purchases.

News Limited newspapers report that the Rudd Government is preparing to roll out the new card, which will see "negligent" parents forced to buy using the card.

The key-card style device will prevent parents from spending welfare payments on gambling, alcohol and drugs in a bid to improve conditions across specific communities.

The card will initially be introduced to the Northern Territory and Kimberly regions.

The card will target parents who may spend welfare on drugs and alcohol.

Under the plan, approved stores around specific regions will be given Government instructions on what can and cant be purchased.

The new plan is designed to ensure funds are funneled into appropriate purchases, including clothing and food.

Indigenous Affairs Minister Jenny Macklin says the new system will improve conditions through welfare control.

"This debit card will prevent people from swapping cards for cash and make sure money is not spent on prohibited items such as drugs, alcohol and pornography," she said.

"We are determined to stamp out the use of welfare payments on things that will hurt children. The Government supports income management to make sure that all welfare payments are spent on itemsthat are essential for the wellbeing of children."

The card will eventually be rolled out across the country via Centrelink, however the Government is still negotiating it's use throughout different states and territories.

The plan will eventually target both Indigenous and non-Indigenous Australians.