The future of the controversial Cashless Debit Card (CDC) is up in the air. 

The CDC scheme puts the bulk of a person's welfare payments onto a special card that can only be spent at approved outlets on essentials like food and bills.

The program has attracted criticism for targeting areas with a high Indigenous population, though some argue it has reduced substance abuse and incentivised employment.

Many are now waiting to see if the new Labor federal government will fulfil its pre-election promise to “abolish” the card scheme. The Albanese government has not commented on the matter since Saturday's election result.

A week before the election, Linda Burney - who is expected to take over the Social Services and Indigenous Affairs portfolios - said the card may stay in some areas. 

“We have taken the view very strongly that if a community wants to have income management, and the community consultation has been thorough, then that's the decision of the community,” she said.

“It's not the decision of the Labor party.

“If there is a decision by the community that they would like to have the cashless management system in place, then that's their decision.”

Labor has also previously pledged to make the basics card voluntary rather than compulsory.