Keeping Cash Alive: New Measures to Protect Cash Payments

Last month, the Australian Government announced new measures to ensure people can continue paying in cash for essential items if they choose to do so. The Government will mandate that businesses accept cash for essential purchases, with appropriate exemptions for small businesses. This mandate will ensure that those who rely on cash, such as for groceries and fuel, are not left behind. For many Australians, cash is more than just a payment method; it is a lifeline.

Around 1.5 million Australians use cash for more than 80% of in-person transactions. Cash also serves as a vital backup during times of natural disasters or digital outages. Its continued use remains essential for certain demographics and in specific settings. To read more, click here.

I’d like to take this opportunity to reflect on the key achievements of ATMIA in 2024 through our Strategic Direction forum, which included:

• Updates on both domestic and international markets in the industry
• Insights from law enforcement agencies across different states and the Australian Federal Police
• Monitoring of the Senate inquiry into bank closures in regional areas
• Updates from Clubs NSW, with a report on NSW Cashless Poker machines due in November 2024
• Key issues to be addressed in the upcoming 2025 federal election
• Regular updates from the Reserve Bank of Australia

ATMIA also made important submissions to:

• Cashless Franchises
• The Treasury review of Australia's Payment System

We were fortunate to have distinguished guest speakers, including:

• Senator Linda White
• Senator Bob Katter
• Senator Dai Le
• CEO of the National Seniors Association

In addition, ATMIA presented at the AFP Joint Policing Cybercrime Coordination Centre (JPC3), which hosted a forum on international ATM skimming operations. The event brought together AFP JPC3, Australian state and territory law enforcement, and U.S. Secret Service specialists, who focus on skimming operations from their Global Investigative Operations Centre in Washington, D.C., and Los Angeles.

As I reflect on my 17 years with ATMIA, I want to share that this will be my final newsletter. I am grateful for my experiences, challenges, and growth. Working alongside such talented and dedicated individuals has been a privilege, and I leave with full appreciation for the lasting relationships we’ve built. I’m excited about the future and the opportunities ahead. Thank you all for your support, collaboration, and friendship.

Sandra