Major change to Aussie cash revealed

Melbourne: So, the Aussie government is shaking things up a bit with cash payments. They’re planning to make it mandatory for big businesses to accept cash when selling essential items. Sounds pretty good, right?

Under these new rules, major retailers will have to offer both cash and card options. This is a big win for those who prefer using cash, especially when it comes to essential services.

Jason Bryce from the Cash Welcome group is all for it. He mentioned that this is a crucial step since many Aussies still want the option to pay with cash. It’s nice to see the government listening to the people.

He pointed out that there have been a lot of arguments at checkout counters because some places don’t accept cash. Plus, with all the tech issues that can pop up, like outages, having cash as an option is super important.

Imagine being stuck without a way to pay because your card isn’t working. That’s a real concern, especially with the updates rolling out for mobile payments that could leave some folks in the lurch.

On top of that, the government is gathering feedback on this cash acceptance mandate. They want to hear from everyone, especially those in regional areas who might rely on cash more than others.

Assistant Treasurer Stephen Jones emphasized that cash is a “lifeline” for many Australians. He wants to make sure that no one gets left behind when it comes to making essential purchases.

While smaller businesses might not be hit as hard by this mandate, it’s crucial for larger retailers to step up. Places like supermarkets and pharmacies need to be on board to ensure everyone has access to cash when they need it.

So, if you’re a fan of cash, this could be a game-changer. The consultation period for feedback wraps up on February 14 next year, so there’s still time to weigh in!