The federal government has announced plans to implement a cash-only policy for essential purchases starting in 2026.
The initiative aims to protect Australians who rely on cash as digital payments become more prevalent.
Essential goods under this policy include groceries, baby clothes, cleaning and personal hygiene products, medicines, and fuel.
Non-essential items such as cakes, biscuits, takeaways, adult clothing, alcohol, furniture, and tools may be refused cash payments.
Critics argue that restricting cash use could help eliminate credit card surcharges and reduce online banking risks.
However, others believe the policy is impractical, as it would require consumers to use cash for some items and credit cards for others.
