CHOICE has led a joint submission to the Treasury consultation on a proposal to mandate the acceptance of cash by businesses selling essentials. We welcome the proposal as cash has a vital role to play in Australia for the foreseeable future, and this will help ensure people can use it in important stores.
However, we raise concerns that the proposal would not apply to small businesses. There are parts of regional and remote Australia where cash is vital to the community. We oppose a complete small business exemption because it would leave these communities high and dry.
We also urge the government to take steps to secure access to cash for consumers. A mandate to accept cash is useless if cash is not reasonably accessible. At present, access to cash is a bigger issue than businesses accepting cash.
Download the statement (PDF)
Related content
- Businesses should be forced to accept cash, consumers say
- Bank branch closures and disappearing cash is making life harder for many
- Sneaky card surcharges hitting two-thirds of Australians' pockets
- Regional bank branch closures affect marginalised Australians
We're on your side
For more than 60 years, we've been making a difference for Australian consumers. In that time, we've never taken ads or sponsorship.
Instead we're funded by members who value expert reviews and independent product testing.
With no self-interest behind our advice, you don't just buy smarter, you get the answers that you need.
You know without hesitation what's safe for you and your family.
And you'll never be alone when something goes wrong or a business treats you unfairly.
Learn more about CHOICE membership today
Stock images: Getty, unless otherwise stated.