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Push for cash mandate to include the likes of Bunnings, McDonald’s

Pro-cash advocates are calling on the federal government to expand the cash mandate to big businesses including Bunnings, McDonald's and Kmart to protect its future.

Under new cash rules, most retailers that sell fuel and groceries must accept cash payments for in-person purchases of $500 or less between the hours of 7am and 9pm.

However cash supporters, including Cash Welcome founder Jason Bryce, want to see more businesses included in the mandate to guarantee the future of cash for those who rely on it.

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Cash supporters are calling on the federal government to expand the cash mandate.

Small businesses with an annual turnover below $10 million are exempt from the new cash mandate, unless they share a trademark with a larger retailer.

In Australia, there were previously no laws to stop businesses from refusing to accept cash.

According to the Reserve Bank of Australia, businesses have been able to choose whether to accept cash or card payments, or both.

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Advocates want to see more businesses forced to accept cash to guarantee its future.

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The cash mandate will be reviewed by the government after three years to ensure it is functioning as intended.

Bryce told supporters of Cash Welcome today the mandate could easily apply to all large retailers "at the very least".

"Ideally we want all retailers to be accepting cash," he said in his latest newsletter.

"The costs of distributing cash needs to be shared by the big merchants so banks, consumers and small business don't end up paying all the costs.

"The best thing that could happen for small businesses who like to accept cash is that big businesses all support the cash system.

"Big business, utilities and government agencies have escaped from this proposed cash mandate scot-free with no obligation to accept cash and support the cash system.

"Large brands like Bunnings, McDonalds, KFC, Kmart, Big W, AGL, Tyrepower, Telstra, Optus need to be captured by this cash mandate."

One Nation senator Malcolm Roberts has launched a motion to overturn the new cash rules, claiming the laws are a "back-handed" attempt to phase out the use of cash.

The sentate is set to vote on the motion tomorrow.

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