Conclusion: Income management independent of the government stimulus payment appears to have had no beneficial effect on tobacco and cigarette sales, soft drink or fruit and vegetable sales. Click on image to enlarge.Two of the researchers writing in Crikey after Federal Minister for Families, Housing, Community Services and Indigenous Affairs Jenny Macklin was dismissive of the latest independent study:
However, in contrast to the government report, we found that spending on food and drinks and fruit and vegetables did not change with income management. Soft drinks sales increased.
The one time during income management that spending went up for all store commodities was when people actually had more money: at the time of the government stimulus payment.
Telling people of low income how they can use 50% of their income may make no difference to their spending, but giving a lump of cash does.
I know who I'm inclined to believe and it isn't the Minister.
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