The Coalition has announced plans to introduce the Cash is King Bill 2026, aimed at giving Australians greater freedom to pay with cash for everyday purchases. Announced by Nationals Leader Matt Canavan and Shadow Minister Kevin Hogan, the proposed legislation would expand cash payment requirements to more major retailers, including pharmacies, hardware stores and restaurants, while providing exemptions for small businesses and genuine security risks. The Coalition says the Bill would support consumer choice, financial inclusion and access to essential goods during power or network outages.
The proposed legislation would:
- Expand cash acceptance to major retailers, including pharmacies, hardware stores, department stores and restaurants.
- Require Commonwealth agencies to accept cash for eligible over-the-counter payments.
- Increase the transaction limit from $500 to $2,000 and remove the 7am–9pm restriction.
- Protect small businesses by exempting those with annual turnover below $10 million and allowing exemptions for genuine safety risks.
The Coalition says the proposed changes would support consumer choice, financial inclusion and access to cash payments during power or network outages.
Why a right to pay with cash matters:
- Resilience: Cash still works when the power is out, the network is down, or a natural disaster hits. Whether it’s bushfires, floods, cyclones or major telecommunications outages, Australians need a reliable backup to digital payments.
- Privacy and control: Many people use cash to budget and control their own money. It cannot be frozen or switched off by a bank or payment provider – and leaves no electronic trail.
- Choice and competition: Cash doesn’t attract a card surcharge and gives consumers a genuine alternative to digital payment providers.
- Financial inclusion: Cash doesn’t require a bank account, a smartphone, an internet connection or a good credit history. It provides an important payment option for people who cannot, or do not want to, rely entirely on digital banking.
