Government suffers setback on cashless debit card but scheme could be extended for two years

Senator Rex Patrick says he can't back the Coalition's bill to extend the scheme and make it permanent due to a lack of evidence

The Morrison government's plan to make the cashless debit card permanent has been dealt a major blow although a last-minute backdown means the controversial scheme could be extended for a further two years.

The Coalition's bill appeared likely to be voted down late on Wednesday after the swing vote senator, Rex Patrick, revealed he would not support plans to make the existing trials at four sites in Western Australia, South Australia and Queensland permanent.