In an era where digital transactions are swiftly becoming the norm, the Australian government's recent proposal to protect cash purchases has sparked a heated debate among senior groups.

The mandate, which aims to make it illegal for businesses to refuse cash for essential purchases, has been criticised for not going far enough to safeguard the rights of those who rely on physical currency.

Set to take effect on 1 January 2026, the mandate specifies that essential items such as groceries, infant clothing, cleaning and personal care products, medicines, and fuel must be purchasable with cash.

However, it leaves a wide array of goods categorised as non-essential—like cakes, biscuits, takeaway, adult clothing, alcohol, furniture, and tools—where businesses could legally refuse cash payments.

Proposed government mandate to protect cash purchases is being criticised for not going far enough. Credit: 9News / YouTube

The distinction between essential and non-essential items has caused confusion and concern among seniors, who prefer cash for its tangibility and simplicity.

Cash transactions eliminate card surcharges, reduce the risk of online banking fraud, and assist with personal budgeting.

For many seniors, cash is not just a payment method; it's a way to maintain financial autonomy and security.

Tass Maniatis, from the Frog n Toad Cafe, emphasised the importance of cash, especially in areas with an older demographic.

'We have an older demographic in the area but the young ones too,' Maniatis said.

Chris Grice from National Seniors Australia points out the ambiguity of the mandate, questioning its practicality at the point of sale.

'If you go to the till and you pay for bread and you pay for cake, does that mean that you pay cash for one item and then you've got to use a card for the other?' Grice said.

This scenario illustrated the potential complications and inconveniences that could arise for consumers, particularly seniors who may not be as comfortable with digital payment methods.

The deadline for public submissions on the mandate is fast approaching, and Treasurer Jim Chalmers urged the community to voice their opinions.

'What this consultation means is that people from all corners of our community can express a view,' Chalmers said.

It's a critical opportunity for seniors and other cash-reliant Australians to make their concerns heard and advocate for a more inclusive mandate that recognises the value of cash in all transactions.

As we navigate the complexities of this proposed mandate, it's essential to consider the broader implications for our senior community.

The shift towards a cashless society may offer convenience for some, but it also risks leaving behind those who depend on or prefer cash.

It's a reminder that in our pursuit of technological advancement, we must not forget the importance of inclusivity and the diverse needs of all Australians.

In other news, starting 6 January, Commonwealth Bank will introduce a new $3 fee for cash withdrawals made at branches, post offices, or by phone.

Customers with a 'Complete Access Account' will be moved to 'Smart Access Accounts,' including this new fee. You can read more about it here.

Credit: YouTube​

Key Takeaways

• Senior groups are criticising the proposed government mandate that aims to protect cash purchases, saying it doesn't go far enough.
• The mandate, expected to start on 1 January 2026, will require businesses to accept cash for essential items but not for non-essential goods.
• Supporters of cash point out its benefits, such as avoiding card surcharges, reducing online banking risks, and aiding in budgeting.
• There is some confusion over the mandate, exemplified by the complication of paying for some grocery items with cash while having to use a card for others. The deadline for public submissions on the matter is approaching.

Have you faced challenges with businesses refusing cash? Does the proposed mandate address your needs? Join the conversation in the comments below, and let's ensure that the voices of seniors are heard loudly and clearly during this critical discussion.

 

[I'm me]

Having just had my card scammed and fraudntly used again, I'm moving to cash, I don't even want to carry a card except for ithdraing cash on pension day. I missed that me card had been used 4 time for small amounts over Christmas. It

 

[Z Di]

Hey everybody, think it’s time now for everyone to take all monies OUT of the banks and stuff it in your mattress. Like in the old days when no one trusted banks. Now it’s obvious they are all out for blood. If Chalmers cannot understand by now that most of us need and use cash , especially regional areas where banks have all packed up and gone. So much more profits for them. Then he’s just continually pushing this idiotic and very dangerous issue for his and all the big boys pockets ., or a total idiot/puppet for them. It is NOT possible to have a society like in Australia , function without the free use of cash. The ONLY section to benefit CASHLESS is banks banks banks. And they have made sooo much profits this year because of closures all around our country of banks and ATM’s . And they will keep on doing this . Our leaders must agree with them as they are not stopped .. sweet deals in heaven.take note , banks and our leaders , you are supposed to work FOR THE PEOPLE OF AUSTRALIA- first and foremost. You have to take care of our needs and we’ll being. NOT your own. We have let you all know many times that cash , in all parts of life , is to remain available. So do please CEASE and stop continually bringing this hateful issue up over and over again. And STOP taking away our liberties and freedoms in our lives. LISTEN TO US -act FOR us. And if a bank thinks it can charge you $3 to withdraw cash. That should be illegal . You all take your money out if that ever happens

 

[I'm me]

I've been scammed, my card used for small amounts over Christmas several times. I picked up 2 larger transactions and phoned my bank. The bank were helpful, told me of the 4 transactions I'd missed. It took a week to get a new card and only 2 more day for the bank to reimburse the amount taken.
Before Covid I withdraw an amount each pension day.
I have returned to cash I don't want to carry a card, let alone use it except for 1 withdrawal a fortnight.
I'm absolutely against going cashless.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Anybody who stays with the Commonwealth Bank and pays $3 to withdraw their own money has got rocks in their head.
I can't believe that people could be so complacent and just sit there and take it.This is why the banks make such astronomical profits.
You can't rely on the government, they're in bed with the banks.
The power is in the people's hands, they just have to take it.
Senior citizens equate to 16.2% of the population, that's a lot of business to loose and there are banks out there that don't charge these fees so why are people sticking with these greedy banks,
whinging and complaining but doing nothing about it.

 

[Koda]

This control over peoples mode of living is getting ridiculous not only is there no consideration for the elderly there is none either f or the impaired, many of these cannot use card and computers or smart phone and internet. Money is money in whatever form and should be acceptable everywhere. The sam is happening with the TV programmes anything worth watching needs to be streamed and use internet which a large majority of these people do not have nor understand shame on ABC, Seven, Nine for doing this your locking people out ,

 

[Anthony Ellul]

This is typical of this Government. They are always half cocked in anything they do. Cash is and should remain legal tender and businesses should jump in the lake.

 

[ElizabethL]

It’s simple.
If the store you go to won’t take cash go elsewhere.
I have done this a few times already.
I have a card and I use a card but if I want to pay for something with cash and they won’t accept it, I won’t buy from them.

 

[Anthony Ellul]

It’s simple.
If the store you go to won’t take cash go elsewhere.
I have done this a few times already.
I have a card and I use a card but if I want to pay for something with cash and they won’t accept it, I won’t buy from them.

Yes, but cash is legal tender and they have no right to refuse cash payment. There are more people( voters) than businesses so it should be plain to any political party that backing cash is a winner.

 

[elaine41]

All fees for payment & withdrawing our money from the bank MUST stop. It costs the bank nothing for me to withdraw my money. They benefit when my money stays in my a/c as they have this money invested in ways they gain interest from it.
I was in a store recently & went to the counter to purchase more than $200 worth of car equipment. I didn't have enough cash on me at the time & they wanted to charge me for using my card. I told them to keep the things I wanted to purchase as I wasn't paying the extra fee & walked out of the shop. I then went down the road to another car spares store & bought the same things without a fee on my card payment. Unless we stand up for ourselves then businesses will keep doing this.

 

[Towing]

Anybody who stays with the Commonwealth Bank and pays $3 to withdraw their own money has got rocks in their head.
I can't believe that people could be so complacent and just sit there and take it.This is why the banks make such astronomical profits.
You can't rely on the government, they're in bed with the banks.
The power is in the people's hands, they just have to take it.
Senior citizens equate to 16.2% of the population, that's a lot of business to loose and there are banks out there that don't charge these fees so why are people sticking with these greedy banks,
whinging and complaining but doing nothing about it.

A few banks and credit unions have been charging a fee for awhile. Bendigo Bank has recently started it too.

 

[IAN3005]

Having just had my card scammed and fraudntly used again, I'm moving to cash, I don't even want to carry a card except for ithdraing cash on pension day. I missed that me card had been used 4 time for small amounts over Christmas. It

You block your card when not in use then unblock it before you use it.

 

[Leenie]

Having just had my card scammed and fraudntly used again, I'm moving to cash, I don't even want to carry a card except for ithdraing cash on pension day. I missed that me card had been used 4 time for small amounts over Christmas. It

I had the same happen to me ,I bought a credit card saver ,it’s an envelope that protects your card from Strandbags for A few dollars.

 

[kbwise]

Last weekend I spent 5 days in Melbourne at a Convention. Every single transaction had to be by card (no choice) and at every transaction which accumulated to over $1000, had a 1.3% surcharge!! That is outrageous but a certainty to happen in a cashless society. Businesses will love it and so will the banks. It's just us that won't!

 

[kbwise]

You block your card when not in use then unblock it before you use it.

How do you do that?

 

[IJH]

You block your card when not in use then unblock it before you use it.

I do this with my credit card!

 

[Ronloby]

Banks and the Government MUST take notice of the people not their profit managers. Cash must remain LEGAL TENDER for ever and ever.

 

[Genhillier]

I have not been refused cash as yet, BUT I need it to pay my neighbours daughter to take my bins down to the end of my court and return them, as I am in a wheel chair. Also, I love to go to the markets and most people don't have eftpos machines. They sell their crafts or produce and a lot of people pay cash at the markets. Another thing, many grandparents put money in birthday cards for their grand childrens birthdays. I know a lot of older people that are not computer savvy and do everything by cash including takeaways, food, paying bills, and just going for a coffee. Australia is an aging population and the unfairness of this is unfathomable. If my bank did this to me I would change banks, it's just a money grab.

 

[Catherines]

I had the same happen to me ,I bought a credit card saver ,it’s an envelope that protects your card from Strandbags for A few dollars.

Hubby and I have had small RFID wallets for many years now, bought from Strandbags also. Drivers licence, Debit card and a few other important cards we may need at some time are carried in it.

Cash is, and always has been, legal tender and MUST be accepted by EVERY organisation. In the latter case of cash, walk away if the business won’t accept it; with Debit Cards, it’s my money and no one, not even the bank, should charge to use it. It’s money readily available at the second that it is presented, so what’s the problem with keeping the extra charge off it when presented for a purchase?

 

[IJH]

Hubby and I have had small RFID wallets for many years now, bought from Strandbags also. Drivers licence, Debit card and a few other important cards we may need at some time are carried in it.

Cash is, and always has been, legal tender and MUST be accepted by EVERY organisation. In the latter case of cash, walk away if the business won’t accept it; with Debit Cards, it’s my money and no one, not even the bank, should charge to use it. It’s money readily available at the second that it is presented, so what’s the problem with keeping the extra charge off it when presented for a purchase?

I bought a handbag with the same facility