Seniors beg for help in secret newspaper messages after government move shatters their lives
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In a quiet corner of the classifieds, a message almost whispers for attention amidst the cacophony of advertisements and announcements.
It's a plea from a group often overlooked in the digital rush of the 21st century—older Australians.
Their call for help comes in response to a government decision that could turn their lives upside down.
The federal government's announcement has sparked a grassroots movement among seniors, who are rallying against the payment overhaul.
The once ubiquitous cheque, a staple in the financial lives of many older Australians, is on the brink of extinction.
This has led to a hastily written public notice in a newspaper urging readers to sign a petition and lobby their local MPs and senators.
The petition, initiated by David Miller on 7 March, has quickly gathered momentum, with over 11,670 signatures to date.
‘Australians already lose billions of dollars a year to online scams and electronic theft – and that's only the reported losses,’ he said.
Cheque processing has been modernised, with transactions now electronically transmitted between financial institutions.
The potential ban on cheques has struck a chord with many who see it as removing an essential service, particularly for those in rural areas with limited internet coverage.
Some still rely on cheques to pay bills and access everyday items and services, and the fear of being pushed into unfamiliar technology is palpable.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Aussies lost $20 million to bank impersonation scams in 2022, and phone and text scams claimed a staggering $169 million in 2021.
These figures highlight the population's vulnerability to online fraud, a vulnerability that could increase with the forced adoption of digital banking.
Some see the phasing out of cheques as an infringement on personal freedom and a step towards a cashless society that only some are ready to embrace.
'My money, my choice' is a sentiment echoed by many who have signed the petition, emphasising the importance of having options in conducting financial transactions.
The government's cheque transition plan includes a two-step timeline.
Cheques will cease to be issued by June 30, 2028, and will no longer be accepted from 30 September 2029.
Cheques will be obsolete by the start of 2030.
This decision is part of an effort to modernise Australia's financial system and make it more competitive in a digital economy.
While AusPayNet CEO Andy White supports the move, stating that cheques are no longer fit for purpose.
‘It is clear that cheques are no longer suitable as a payment method when so many safe, efficient, and convenient digital alternatives are available,’ he said.
The decline in cheque usage is undeniable. With a 90 per cent drop over the last decade, it now represents a mere 0.1 per cent of all payments in Australia.
However, the statistics are cold comfort for those who still rely on this payment method.
How will the phase-out of cheques affect you or your loved ones? What measures should be in place to ensure a smooth transition for those relying on traditional payment methods? Join the conversation in the comments below.
It's a plea from a group often overlooked in the digital rush of the 21st century—older Australians.
Their call for help comes in response to a government decision that could turn their lives upside down.
The federal government's announcement has sparked a grassroots movement among seniors, who are rallying against the payment overhaul.
The once ubiquitous cheque, a staple in the financial lives of many older Australians, is on the brink of extinction.
Older Australians rally against the federal government's decision to phase out cheques by 2030 in efforts to modernise the payment system. Credit: iStock
This has led to a hastily written public notice in a newspaper urging readers to sign a petition and lobby their local MPs and senators.
The petition, initiated by David Miller on 7 March, has quickly gathered momentum, with over 11,670 signatures to date.
‘Australians already lose billions of dollars a year to online scams and electronic theft – and that's only the reported losses,’ he said.
Cheque processing has been modernised, with transactions now electronically transmitted between financial institutions.
The potential ban on cheques has struck a chord with many who see it as removing an essential service, particularly for those in rural areas with limited internet coverage.
Some still rely on cheques to pay bills and access everyday items and services, and the fear of being pushed into unfamiliar technology is palpable.
According to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC), Aussies lost $20 million to bank impersonation scams in 2022, and phone and text scams claimed a staggering $169 million in 2021.
These figures highlight the population's vulnerability to online fraud, a vulnerability that could increase with the forced adoption of digital banking.
Some see the phasing out of cheques as an infringement on personal freedom and a step towards a cashless society that only some are ready to embrace.
'My money, my choice' is a sentiment echoed by many who have signed the petition, emphasising the importance of having options in conducting financial transactions.
The government's cheque transition plan includes a two-step timeline.
Cheques will cease to be issued by June 30, 2028, and will no longer be accepted from 30 September 2029.
Cheques will be obsolete by the start of 2030.
This decision is part of an effort to modernise Australia's financial system and make it more competitive in a digital economy.
While AusPayNet CEO Andy White supports the move, stating that cheques are no longer fit for purpose.
‘It is clear that cheques are no longer suitable as a payment method when so many safe, efficient, and convenient digital alternatives are available,’ he said.
The decline in cheque usage is undeniable. With a 90 per cent drop over the last decade, it now represents a mere 0.1 per cent of all payments in Australia.
However, the statistics are cold comfort for those who still rely on this payment method.
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