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.

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.

Key Takeaways

• Older Australians are rallying against the federal government's decision to phase out cheques by 2030 as part of efforts to modernise the payment system.
• A public notice published in the classified section of a newspaper on Wednesday called for opposition to the ban on cheques and encouraged Australians to sign a petition and contact their MPs.
• The petition, which opposes the phase-out of cheques, has been signed by more than 11,670 individuals, citing concerns such as vulnerability to scams and lack of internet access.
• The government's plan to eliminate cheques aims to create a more competitive and efficient financial system. Still, many argue it undermines the freedom of choice and essential services for those who 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.

 

[Andrew]

The last time I bought a car l paid with a Bank cheque, which l had to pay for. Have bank's stopped writing cheques?. Do they now do cash transfers and charge you for doing it?.

 

[BruceC]

I always used to use cheques to pay bills like electricity etc. I have changed to electronic means as my bank has done away with cheques. I worry about using internet banking with all the scams. I was locked out of my account this week due to a possible scam. I had to ring the bank on was put onto a virtual assistant which I stuffed up doing by pressing the wrong number - I simply wanted to talk to someone. I went to the nearest bank quite a distance away, as my local was closed a couple of years ago. There I was with a bank clerk just short of two hours to work through the issue. She too had to work though a virtual system. She told me this is the way that it is done now - you do not talk to people any more. They are not just closing branches they are now closing off talking to a person too. How simple a cheque would have been and posting in the mail box at the local shops.

Not sure what bank you deal with but if you use the CBA you just demand to speak to a human and you get put through.

 

[Bernice S]

I received a refund check a few months ago and took it to my bank, Great Southern Bank, and was told they no longer handle checks. But the Post office could deposit it into my account. Pretty bad service when a bank can't deposit a check into your bank account but the Post Office can. Seems some banks have jumped the gun.

 

[Nicnat]

Cheque??? What is that in today's world of a cashless society .. gone is the excuse 'the check is in the mail' Gone too is the letter in the mail... times they are changing and unless you accept that you are doomed.

That’s easy for you to say. My 95 year old mum lives at home without a computer and relies on her cheque book to pay some of her accounts, such as her gardener,, she also gives us all a cheque for birthdays and christmas.. she does pay some of her bills over the phone, but relies on her cheque book for others.

 

[BruceC]

The last time I bought a car l paid with a Bank cheque, which l had to pay for. Have bank's stopped writing cheques?. Do they now do cash transfers and charge you for doing it?.

We are with the CBA. Have done numerous bank transfers in 2024 and not been charged once!

 

[richmich.4422@gmail]

My husband and I have actually only just closed our cheque account and that is only because he has been having a relationship with my former best friend for 6 to 8 months behind my back and is now living with her otherwise we would have kept it to the end. It had it's uses.

What a bugger of an act by him. Even worse with your now ex best friend. I suppose they are both very much "X", now, with no correspondence entered into.
Just remember, the grass is never greener on the other side of the fence. You never know, they may soon be "XX".
Out of curiosity, who's keeping the house?

NOVEZAR.