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.

 

[Punkywinner]

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.

Yes, I had the same problem with a Kitchen Shop. I bought $100 wok and a few other items and they would not accept cash. So I left them at the counter, and bought the sane items 2 shops fiwn and paid cash!

 

[Luckyus]

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.

I would have suggested go away in short jerky movements?

 

[britus]

We need full protection from internet ,on the streets against robbery of cash, additional government charges on cash transactions.
Should we be overcharge or have stolen money after withdraw, the government must compensate every person affected plus additional 10 percent recovery amount .

 

[Veggiepatch]

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.

The list of non-essentials is not complete without the inclusion of coffee.

Insidious black sludge fit for filling potholes.

 

[Mika in the van]

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.

All well and good in theory but it’s not as easy as just change banks. We tried to move form ANZ to Commonwealth when our rural town branch closed and the ATM was out of order more often than in. We were told as we are retired and no longer ‘earning an income’ we won’t qualify for a credit card. (Which we need for many on line purchases and bills as we live way out in the country).

 

[Still Ebby]

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.

Good for you

 

[Dynamo]

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

With you there. My info has been stolen via card use 3 times. I want to use cash where possible

 

[deni67]

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

All well and good in theory, but what about people like me that don't leave their houses and rely on home deliveries?

 

[IAN3005]

How do you do that?

It's a bit inconvenient but you go int card settings and there is a facility there that let you turn the card on or off...

 

[Macarj]

How do you do that?

Online logon to your bank and the information is there to block or unblock

 

[MariaG]

Every pension day for some years, I would take hubby down to the Building Society so he could withdraw his pension.
I kept a moderate amount aside for spending money, and the rest was squirreled away. Ended up pre-paying our funerals.

 

[MariaG]

I was at a Westfield shopping centre last week.
The Internet went down for a half an our.
If I wanted morning tea, it had to be with cash.
Quite a number of shops had to temporarily pull down the shutters. No on-line, no business.

 

[mylittletibbies]

All well and good in theory but it’s not as easy as just change banks. We tried to move form ANZ to Commonwealth when our rural town branch closed and the ATM was out of order more often than in. We were told as we are retired and no longer ‘earning an income’ we won’t qualify for a credit card. (Which we need for many on line purchases and bills as we live way out in the country).

So do I live way out in the country I do loads of on line shopping and have all my bills by direct debit.
What's wrong with a debit card.

 

[Phantom55]

if everything is paid by card only ,then the fee (at present )is 2 or 3% guess how long before its%5or7%, so all our money becomes that much less value...its just like everyone taking a cut in wages, except the banks of course

 

[Phantom55]

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

they dont have to if they dont want to,...its too late now the decision is not up to the public, we gave them the power long time ago ....we must just do as we are told , we'll get used to it....

 

[Parrot]

Yes why do people stay with the commonwealth Bank when other banks like mine don’t charge
for withdrawing money.. I had occasion to pay for my parking at one of the shopping centres
it appears we were 2 minutes over the hour so they charged for the next hour which is fine but I had to laugh because on my bank statement it showed $2.02 ( two cents being interest ? )

 

[suelouC]

During Covid restrictions a lot of businesses refused to handle cash. This was acceptable as cash Carrie’s bacteria. There is no excuse now. Banks should NOT be allowed to charge a few for anyone to withdraw their own money and any business which refuses to accept cash should be liable to a fine.
Share information about retailers that refuse cash, let’s get together and blacklist them.

 

[Jest]

what age group do you cater for SDC??? a referral made to infants clothing. please keep whatever to seniors.

 

[mylittletibbies]

Grandmothers

what age group do you cater for SDC??? a referral made to infants clothing. please keep whatever to seniors.

Grandmothers buy clothes for their grandchildren. Or, at least, I do.

 

[Miss Chris]

How bloody noble of the government to decide that certain items be available for cash purchase….We never had a problem about how we paid for stuff, not until the banks decided to close down branches in favour of card payments, digital payments etc……How bloody noble of the government to finally realise that cash is the preferred method of payment for a large number of the population…… Vying for votes I think…