Independent Federal Member for Calare, Andrew Gee, says the Government’s draft regulation on a cash mandate sells out vulnerable Australians and rural communities.
“The draft cash mandate is an absolute dud! It does nothing more than require supermarket giants and big fuel companies to keep cash for transactions of $500 or less.
It’s giving the green light for phasing out cash in Australia, when we should be preserving the cash economy.
“Australians who want to use cash will be abandoned. In country areas there are many people who don’t buy their food and groceries from the big retailers, Mr Gee said.
Last week in Question Time, Mr Gee again challenged the Government on why it won’t support his private Members Bill Keeping Cash Transactions in Australia.
“My Bill would mandate that businesses operating in any face-to-face settings, must accept cash for transactions that don’t exceed $10,000 – keeping cash King.
“Shockingly, while the law provides that banknotes and coins are legal tender, there is currently no legal requirement for cash to be accepted for transactions in Australia.
“Not everyone is able or wants to use online banking services. People worry about facing additional fees and surcharges, giving up their privacy, and dealing with the risk of fraud.
“I’ll say it again – Australians should have a choice as to how they spend their hardearned dollars. I will not be giving up the fight to keep cash King in Australia.” said Mr Gee.