Queensland residents draws to the attention of the House of the need to reinstate cash as a payment option at all Queensland Rail ticket offices, parking meters and community events.

Cash was "temporarily suspended" at Queensland Rail ticket offices in March 2020 by the former Palaszczuk government under the guise of being a "COVID-19 Public Safety Measure". The suspension was for a nine-month period until December 2020, then extended to December 2021, then December 2022 and finally to June 2023 when cash was removed permanently. Brisbane City Council also removed cash accepting parking meters in February 2021 and the RNA removed cash ticket purchases at the gate around the same time.

Cash paying residents, elderly, disabled, children, homeless and international travellers are particularly affected by these discriminatory practices. There are cash accepting ticket machines at railway stations, however, these 17 years old machines are often out of service, at times don't give change and are difficult or impossible to use for anyone with a vision, mental or dexterity impairment. GoCard retailers accept cash, however, many are not located in close proximity to transport hubs and have limited opening hours.

These are essential services and should most certainly be included in the Federal Government's planned cash mandate for sellers and providers of essential goods and services.

Your petitioners, therefore, request the House to do all in its power to reinstate cash as a payment option at all Queensland Rail ticket offices, council parking meters and ticket purchases for community events.