Urgent warning over new cash rules introduced by the Albanese government: 'Don't let them phase out cash'   

In Daily.
25 March 2026


One Nation will move to scrap new cash rules introduced by the Albanese government, claiming the regulation is a 'back‑door attempt' to eliminate the use of cash in Australia.   

The rules by the Albanese government, which came into force on January 1, require most large grocery and fuel retailers to take 'reasonable steps' to accept cash for in‑person purchases of up to $500 between 7am and 9pm.

Small businesses with an annual turnover below $10 million are exempt, while retailers can refuse cash outside those hours or for transactions above the $500 cap.

Businesses can also apply to the ACCC for an exemption in certain circumstances, including events beyond their control such as natural disasters, or where the cost of complying would threaten the ongoing viability of the business.

But One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts warns the rules are the opposite of a mandate and effectively allow most retailers to reject cash payments.

He will launch a motion to overturn the regulation in the Senate today and is calling on the Greens to support him.

He said the rules fail to properly protect cash, with many businesses still able to turn away cash‑paying customers.

'The reality of this regulation is that any business wanting to force you into an electronic transaction can do so without penalty.

One Nation will move to scrap new cash rules introduced by the Albanese government, claiming the regulation is a 'back¿door attempt' to eliminate the use of cash in Australia



'The Treasurer did not even have the courage to introduce this measure as a bill to be debated in Parliament.

'This regulation is a cowardly, back‑door attempt to eliminate the use of cash.

'Forcing Australians to use transaction cards will deliver a billion‑dollar windfall to the Big Four banks through additional transaction fees, and billions more in value through the data harvested from the electronic system.'

'Don't let them phase out cash.'

The bid to kill the cash rules is expected to fall short unless Roberts can pull off a surprise alliance with the Greens and crossbench.

Cash advocacy group Cash Welcome founder Jason Bryce also criticised the Albanese government's law, warning it contains big loopholes and 'does not mandate cash'.

'Only large supermarkets and fuel retailers are covered by the new cash mandate. All other retailers are free to reject cash payments.

'Retailers need support and encouragement from banks and governments to support our legal tender, not more pressure to reject cash and adopt digital‑only payments.

'Australia needs a guarantee that we can continue to choose cash for our budgeting and spending.'

'The reality of this regulation is that any business wanting to force you into an electronic transaction can do so without penalty.

'The Treasurer did not even have the courage to introduce this measure as a bill to be debated in Parliament.

'This regulation is a cowardly, back‑door attempt to eliminate the use of cash.

'Forcing Australians to use transaction cards will deliver a billion‑dollar windfall to the Big Four banks through additional transaction fees, and billions more in value through the data harvested from the electronic system.

'Don't let them phase out cash.'   

Come on Greens and Cross Benchers, work with O.N.. Protect cash and the freedom to interact without impediment.


The World Economic Forum (WEF) has published reports and hosted discussions advocating for Central Bank Digital Currencies (CBDCs) and the transition to digital payments, with one 2023 report explicitly listing "advancing cashless societies" as a key motivation for CBDC adoption to drive economic growth and efficiency

aquascoot wrote on Mar 26^th, 2026 at 8:56am:


I'm very disappointed. Again.

Every day when I wake up and come here I hope that this will be the day when you finally post something sensible.

Alas, today is still not that day.

Maybe tomorrow?