As older Australians take to their shopping streets and malls to encourage local businesses to keep taking cash, Independent MP Andrew Gee has introduced a private member's bill that would force businesses to accept cash as a form of payment.
Create a free account to read this article
$0/
(min cost $0)
or signup to continue reading
The federal member for Calare in NSW said while the use of cash for transactions in Australia had been declining, Australians should be able to choose how they will pay for what they purchase - not financial institutions or businesses.
"The Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia Bill is all about freedom - the freedom for Australians to choose how they will pay for transactions," he said.
"Shockingly, while the law provides that banknotes and coins are legal tender, there is currently no legal requirement for banknotes or coins to be accepted for transactions in Australia.
"In other words, carrying Australian banknotes is no guarantee that you will be able complete a purchase in cash - it's all at the discretion of the business. If a business gives you notice that it won't accept cash it won't have to."
The bill is supported by independent MPs Dai Le and Bob Katter.
Read more from TheSenior
Readers of The Senior have also had their say.
Retiree Max, 74, from South Australia, who only wanted his first name used said a cashless society was not practical.
"What happens if the system goes down and you can't prove you have any money, or you go to a restaurant and buy a meal and their system goes down and you can't pay for it," he told The Senior.
"That's the way we old people feel about it. It would take away our security, our freedom of choice and our independence."
Ken Sampson, 76, from Dandenong in Victoria said some businesses charged surcharges above the ACCC guidelines. "They do not appear to be policed."
That's the way we old people feel about it (cashless society). It would take away our security, our freedom of choice and our independence.
- Max from South Australia
Keep Cash
Also concerned at the disproportionate effect on older people of the increasing number of businesses declining cash and insisting on card transactions, advocacy peak National Seniors Australia has started a "Keep Cash" (accessible and accepted) campaign and has mobilised members to visit businesses in their local areas to hand out "We accept cash" stickers.
"While NSA acknowledges the inevitability of a mostly digital society, it's important to consider the needs of those who rely on cash, particularly seniors," chief executive Chris Grice said.
"When retailers refuse cash, it not only inconveniences customers but can lead to genuine hardship for those who rely on cash.
"Retailers that accept cash should proudly promote it and NSA wants to help them do this - it's a valid form of currency after all," he said.
As cash use has declined, so has the number of access points available to withdraw it. Between June 2022 and 2023, 424 bank branches across Australia closed, 122 in regional and remote areas and 700 ATMs were decommissioned.
To sign up for NSA's Keep Cash Campaign visit nationalseniors.com.au or call 1300-765-050