Queensland Parliament Approves Motion on Transitioning to a Cashless Society
In a bold move, the Katter Australia Party (KAP) has successfully lodged a motion with the Queensland Parliament to keep cash as legal tender. The motion, put forward by Queensland KAP leader Robbie Katter, called for all government offices to accept cash as a legal form of payment and condemned any move towards a cashless society.
To emphasize their message, KAP MPs dressed up as ‘dollar shop royals’ before presenting the motion in Parliament. Speaking on behalf of older and regional Australians, as well as the disadvantaged, Mr. Katter highlighted the importance of cash for these groups. He also drew attention to recent local disasters in north Queensland, which would make it difficult to rely solely on electronic payment systems.
One of the concerns raised by Mr. Katter was the social credit system in Beijing, warning of the potential dangers of going down the path of George Orwell’s dystopian novel, 1984. He pointed out that in Beijing, even jaywalking can result in money being taken out of one’s account, illustrating the unforgiving nature of a cashless society.
Support for the motion came from Queensland Labor Transport Minister Bart Mellish, who agreed that cash is legal tender and openly supported the right to use it as a lawful form of payment throughout the state. He also proposed an amendment for the government to provide an array of payment options and work with Queenslanders to support their payment needs.
During the debate in Parliament, Mr. Katter raised concerns about the influence of banks in pushing for a cashless society. He highlighted that the big four banks made $32 billion in profit last year and emphasized that cash costs them a significant amount of money. He also drew attention to local bank closures, such as Bankwest, which announced its transition to a digital-only bank.
Bankwest’s decision to close branches and prioritize digital banking services sparked debate about the impact on customers who still rely on cash and prefer face-to-face interactions. Mr. Katter argued that these closures needed to be stopped and expressed concern over the influence banks have on the Australian government.
In the end, the motion passed in the Queensland Parliament, including the amendments proposed by Mr. Mellish. This decision signifies a victory for those who believe in the importance of cash as a payment method and underscores the ongoing debate surrounding the potential shift towards a cashless society.
While a transition to digital payments offers convenience and efficiency, it is crucial to consider the needs of all members of society, particularly those who rely on cash due to various circumstances. The Katter Australia Party’s motion serves as a reminder that cash should not be disregarded or phased out without careful consideration of its impact on different communities.
As the world becomes increasingly reliant on electronic transactions, it is essential to strike a balance between embracing technological advancements and ensuring that no one is left behind. The debate surrounding a cashless society continues to evolve, and it is vital for policymakers to listen to the concerns of their constituents and find solutions that meet the needs of all Australians.
