Laws extend welfare card trial until 2020

Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher has introduced draft laws to the lower house to extend the government's cashless welfare card trials until June 2020.

Draft laws have been introduced to extend the federal government's cashless welfare card trials. (AAP)

Draft laws to extend the government's cashless welfare card scheme to June next year have been introduced to parliament.

Social Services Minister Paul Fletcher said the legislation would extend the card's trial in Ceduna in SA, as well as the East Kimberley and Goldfields region in WA until June 2020.

As he introduced the laws to the lower house on Wednesday, Mr Fletcher said the card, which prevents people from spending 80 per cent of their welfare money on gambling and alcohol, has been helping people drink less alcohol, use fewer drugs and reduce their gambling.