7NEWS can confirm Jacqui Lambie will not be supporting the government’s planned extension of the cashless debit card scheme this year.

The Federal Government wants to expand the program across the entire Northern Territory.

It’s currently operational in a handful of locations across the country.

It quarantines welfare payments, so cash cannot be used to purchase alcohol or drugs.

But the proposed roll-out of the initiative has drawn criticism from community members who fear thousands of Aboriginal people will be disproportionately affected.

With Centre Alliance likely not to support the legislation, and One Nation in favour of it, the deciding vote falls on Lambie.

7NEWS understands Lambie spoke with the Social Services Minister Anne Ruston in Parliament on Tuesday night, and told her she will not support the expansion this fortnight, effectively killing off the legislation.

In the video below: Government pushes to persuade Jacqui Lambie to back welfare tests

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She’ll travel to the Northern Territory with Centre Alliance MP Rebekha Sharkie in January to speak with community members and get a better understanding of what is needed.

But it’s understood she wants more mental health services for indigenous Australians before even considering voting for the bill.

In a slight win for the government in the Senate this week, Jacqui Lambie has confirmed she will vote in favour of the ensuring integrity bill, securing the numbers for the Coalition, unless controversial union boss John Setka resigns.

The bill will effectively see unions which incur a large amount of demerit points for breaking the law, deregistered.

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The Government needs either One Nation or the support of Lambie this week to pass the legislation.

Lambie has told the Labor Party and Union bosses this week that her position has not changed, as long as Setka remains head of the CFMMEU in Victoria, then she will give the government its final vote, which is expected to be in the coming days.

Another big piece of legislation, repealing the Medevac bill, transferring sick asylum seekers from Manus Island and Nauru, is due for a vote this fortnight.

Talks have been extremely tense between senior members of the government, including the Prime Minister and Lambie this week.

She has told them she’s not convinced repealing the legislation is the right option.

She wants to move amendments but wouldn’t reveal what they are at this stage.

It’s not clear whether the government will support those amendments.