- Cairns Senator Nita Green speaks out on cash ban bill 2019
- By Alicia Nally
- 07/02/2020 Make a Comment
- Contributed by: Col ( 3 articles in 2020 )
QUEENSLAND Senator Nita Green has shied away from taking a definite stand on the controversial Currency (Restrictions on the Use of Cash) Bill 2019.
The senate was due to vote in coming days on the legislation which, if made law, would mean it would be illegal to make or accept cash payments of $10,000 or more.
But Ms Green said given the divisive nature of the Bill, the Senate inquiry has been extended for one month.
“Labor supports action on the black economy but I understand this Bill has caused significant concern relating to the potential negative impacts of a cash ban,” she said.
“The government needs to make the case to Australians as to why it is bringing forward this legislation.”
According to the government, the law would ensure entities could not “avoid scrutiny and facilitate their participation in the black economy by making large payments in cash”.
Cairns resident Alan Dana has been vocal in his condemnation of the law and the negative impacts it would have on many Far North residents.
“The Senate have conducted investigation hearings … and the government cannot justify their position with the imposition of this draconian law to criminalise ordinary Australians for using legal tender in public and private transactions,” he said.
“The gravity of this law and importance on local economies is significant. Case in point, the bush fires in NSW rendered all electronic payments systems offline in large areas. If people didn’t have cash they couldn’t buy fuel or food to flee the fire affected areas.
“Using cash is a right not a privilege that government can take away.”
The senate was due to vote in coming days on the legislation which, if made law, would mean it would be illegal to make or accept cash payments of $10,000 or more.
But Ms Green said given the divisive nature of the Bill, the Senate inquiry has been extended for one month.
“Labor supports action on the black economy but I understand this Bill has caused significant concern relating to the potential negative impacts of a cash ban,” she said.
“The government needs to make the case to Australians as to why it is bringing forward this legislation.”
According to the government, the law would ensure entities could not “avoid scrutiny and facilitate their participation in the black economy by making large payments in cash”.
Cairns resident Alan Dana has been vocal in his condemnation of the law and the negative impacts it would have on many Far North residents.
“The Senate have conducted investigation hearings … and the government cannot justify their position with the imposition of this draconian law to criminalise ordinary Australians for using legal tender in public and private transactions,” he said.
“The gravity of this law and importance on local economies is significant. Case in point, the bush fires in NSW rendered all electronic payments systems offline in large areas. If people didn’t have cash they couldn’t buy fuel or food to flee the fire affected areas.
“Using cash is a right not a privilege that government can take away.”
Source: https://www.cairnspost.com.au/news/cairns/cairns-senator-nita-green-speaks-out-on-cash-ban-bill-2019/news-story/6b26cf698479a00f51758d399582185a
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