Government fears defeat in senate on cash mandate

Petition updateAn Australian cash and banking guaranteeGovernment fears defeat in senate on cash mandate

Jason BryceWILLIAMSTOWN, Australia

Mar 26, 2026

Hi Cash Lovers,

The motion to disallow the cash mandate regulations moved by Senator Roberts has been deferred now until Tuesday 31st March.

The government fears a vote on this motion because it does not have enough support in the senate to be sure of victory.

Greens leader Larissa Waters is said to be asking for the mandate "to be expanded across all essential services."

Greens leader Senator Larissa Waters' staff are telling callers and cash supporters who are getting in touch with her office that:

'the Greens cannot support the Government’s cash mandate as it stands, limiting the mandate to supermarkets and petrol stations. It is far too narrow and needs to be expanded across all essential services.'

The government has used procedural mechanisms including standing orders, changes to proceedings and the agenda for the day to avoid a final vote on this cash mandate disallowance motion.

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.

The cash mandate needs to cover by all physical merchants, with few exemptions.

Large brands like Bunnings, McDonalds, KFC, KMart, Big W need to be captured by this cash mandate.

And councils, motor registries and billers also need to accept cash.

Contact your local senator today

Feedback from cash supporters who have been contacting their senators is positive.

This motion could be carried and Jim Chalmers' cash mandate could be defeated.

The cash mandate disallowance motion is NOW listed on the Senate Order of business for Tuesday 31st March 2026.