However, if local community groups ask for it, the government is willing to implement it, Gilmore MP Ann Sudmalis said.

“If this community wants to get on board with this, I for one will be their champion,” she said.

The card quarantines 80 per cent of a welfare recipient's payments for essential purchases and prevents spending on drugs, alcohol and gambling.

The policy has been met with criticism by some, who claim it’s ineffective and discriminatory.

However, Mrs Sudmalis praised the outcomes of the card, currently on trial in three electorates. 

Initial trials in Ceduna, SA and Kununurra, WA have been extended and the card was most recently rolled out in Goldfields, WA.

“It was implemented in very heavy consultation with the groups that were working there and community leaders, it’s being done at the request of the community,” she said.

“I’ve seen the results come in, it’s absolutely brilliant.

“Because it has such a high impact on the reduction of alcohol-related car accidents, admissions to hospital, domestic violence, and women are drinking less while they’re pregnant, I’m stoked.”

Mrs Sudmalis said the card’s implementation may appeal to members of the Shoalhaven community. 

“When they see the results that come in from other areas, they might say, we have a high incidence of domestic violence, alcohol-related admissions to hospital, alcohol-related car accidents, maybe we should look at this,” she said.

“But, it’s really up to the community to push for it.”

She refuted claims the cashless card is a punishment. 

“If that community is collectively saying please help us to change, that’s not punishment, that’s assistance,” she said.