"I believe in the cash economy and our right to privacy."
Leading cash advocate and pioneer of direct ATM fees in Australia, Tim Wildash, has been recognised for services to cash in the 2025 King's Birthday honours.
"Without cash there can be no guarantee of privacy," says Tim Wildash OAM.
"Cash needs to be here forever, the cashless society idea is a dangerous and totalitarian concept."
Tim Wildash OAM fought banks and regulators in the early years of the 2000's for the right to charge direct ATM fees to consumers, paving the way for non-banks to deploy ATMs in venues where banks won't go.
"No one likes paying a fee, but a direct up-front fee is more acceptable to consumers than a hidden bank charge," said Tim Wildash.
Transaction fees at non-bank ATMs have supported the distribution of cash in Australia since banks decided to shrink their ATM fleets after 2017.
"Direct ATM fees have kept our cash system alive, underpinning the distribution of notes around the nation" said Tim Wildash.
Privacy and our right to control our information are the key beliefs driving Tim's passion for cash.
"I'm a strong believer that we all have a right to access cash easily and cheaply," said Tim Wildash.
"Without cash, our right to privacy is not worth anything because all our transactions can be tracked and traced.
"Our transaction data can be used to manipulate and influence our spending and behaviour.
"We live in the surveillance capitalism era, data is the new oil so cash is absolutely essential to everyone if we want to maintain control of our own information."
Tim Wildash does NOT support the government's proposed cash mandate because "it will allow 97% of retailers to go cashless."
"Of course I support the idea of a cash mandate but the current proposal threatens to do more harm than good," said Tim Wildash.
"All retailers must be covered by the proposed cash mandate or it's not a mandate at all."
The Albanese government has proposed that from 1st January 2026 all physical retailers selling essential food, medicine or fuel must accept cash.
"The government's list of 'essential items' is confusing and contradictory."
"One person's essential item may not be the same as another person's idea of what is essential."
"One day I might need to use cash, maybe to protect my privacy or even safety, so the cash mandate needs to be a real mandate and cover all physical retailers," said Tim Wildash.
Jason Bryce, spokesperson for the Cash Welcome campaign, said Tim Wildash richly deserved his Order of Australia medal.
"The King and the Governor-General are effectively recognising the important role Tim has played in maintaining our right to access cash and protect our privacy," said Jason Bryce.
"Tim believes that cash is essential to maintain control over our own information and to ensure we are free to spend our money however we choose."
"Millions of Australians are very concerned about the possibility that cash might not be readily available in the future.
"Tim's contribution has been invaluable in maintaining the cash economy and our right to choose how we pay," said Jason Bryce.
I have a petition calling for a cash and banking guarantee:
Contact:
Tim Wildash OAM TW[email protected]
Jason Bryce [email protected]
ph: 0428 777 727
Key Facts:
The 'inventor' of ATM fees in Australia has been recognised with an Order of Australia Medal.
About us:
Jason Bryce
0428 777 727
[email protected]
Contact details:
Jason Bryce
Cash Welcome
Backed by donations from the public, business and industry.
0428 777 727
