Earlier this week, Independent MP for Calare, Andrew Gee introduced a bill to parliament that would force businesses to accept cash payments from shoppers, or risk facing a $25,000 fine.

The legislation was drafted in response to the gradual decline of note and coin payments in Australia, with just 13% of transactions now made with physical currency, down from 70% in 2007.

The decrease in businesses taking cash has reportedly left some elderly and regionally based Australians unable to purchase essential items.

The bill had the backing of crossbenchers Dai Le and Bob Katter, but neither major party had indicated whether or not they’d support it.

Independent MP Andrew Gee joined Luke Grant to tell him he has since met with Treasurer Jim Chalmers and that he now believes the government may back his proposal.

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