Tackling Unfair Surcharges and Protecting Cash for All Australians
As your representative in Greenway and Minister for Communications, my top priority is easing the cost of living for hardworking families, students, and pensioners in our community.
When Labor came into Government inflation was over 6 per cent and rising, but it is now 2.8 per cent with consumer confidence on the rise. While this is positive progress, there remains much to do to ease the pressure on families and residents.
The Albanese Government is taking meaningful steps to address the unfair and excessive costs Australians face daily — and we are now expanding our focus to debit card surcharges.
Australians lose nearly $1 billion annually to excessive surcharges, with families and businesses in Greenway alone paying up to $6.4 million each year.
This is simply unacceptable. Payment providers and banks have been allowed to impose unfair fees for far too long, burdening small businesses and everyday consumers alike.
At a cost-of-living forum in my electorate, hosted alongside Stephen Bali, the State Member for Blacktown, I heard firsthand how these surcharges impact our community.
Alexis, a local from Stanhope Gardens, shared her frustration about the exorbitant fees she faced.
I took her concerns to my colleagues in Canberra, and I’m proud to say that Alexis’s voice has been heard.
The Albanese Government has acted, providing $2.1 million of new funding to the ACCC to crack down on excessive surcharges and ensure small businesses and consumers see real savings.
I want to see the strongest possible action on curtailing debit card surcharges, to ensure small businesses and consumers benefit from lower costs.
Which is why we are prepared to ban debit card surcharges from 1 January 2026, subject to the consultation undertaken by the Reserve Bank, and sufficient steps and safeguards to ensure both small businesses and consumers can benefit from lower costs.
It’s time to prioritise the needs of consumers and small businesses over excessive profiteering of banks. We’re also committed to safeguarding cash as a vital payment method.
For many, particularly during emergencies, cash is more than just convenience—it’s a lifeline.
That’s why Labor will require businesses to accept cash for essential goods and services, with appropriate exemptions for small businesses.
This ensures no one is left behind in an increasingly digital economy.
I’ve launched a survey on my website to hear directly from locals about how debit card surcharges are affecting them.
Your feedback will guide my work in Parliament and help deliver practical solutions. Labor is determined to make life fairer and more affordable for Australians.
Together, we’re building a better future for all.
Complete my Debit Card Surcharge Survey here: https://bit.ly/4gjzcpb