The federal government’s cashless debit card project is reaching more communities. Small business retail newsagents have been part of the trial since the beginning. Indeed, they were among the first retailers to participate.
Facilities embedded in selected POS software platforms enable the acceptance of the federal government’s cashless debit card as a method of payment for a defined range of goods.
Including newsagents in the trial is important in that not including them could have encouraged shopping away from the channel.
While the cashless debit card is contentious in the community, it is here that alone is reason for newsagents to engage when presented the opportunity.
I became involved in the project around two years ago, when it kicked off, through the POS software company I own. The initial trial locations in Queensland paved the way for what is now a broader roll out of the trial.
I mention this project today because more newsagents are being contacted for participation. You can see from the invitation email that it is a government initiative, not spam as some wondered.
Will all newsagents be required to offer this?
Peter, currently it is in the trial phase. What happens following this in terms of requirements will be a matter for government. In this trial phase, retailers are invited. Participation is up to them.
it is vailable for those that want it. It started out as a card to provide reciprocates of Government spending in remote areas a means of purchasing goods for food and other evry day items not unklike ration tickets during the War.
It is not able to be used for alchohol, maybe cigarettes, and I am not sure with newsagents whether it can be used for Gaming lotto etc.
It’s an otion for the Government for their purpose which now is being promoted to see the level it may go to.
From the website to which I link in the article:
It can be used:
in most stores that accept eftpos for products and services other than cash, alcohol or gambling
to shop at most online stores.
to pay bills and make recurring payments (such as mortgage repayments)
for online banking – with an app for both Android and Apple devices.
It cannot be used to:
buy alcohol
gamble
buy some gift cards
withdraw cash.
Mark your post indicates it is good for newsagents however does not tell the story in full.
A lot of newsagents especially those in the Bush have been affected by the closer of Banks and Post Offices.
They therefore experience problems with cash. A lot of consumers buy lotto and pay by credit card. When they have a prizes to pay out especially on a big jackpot payday the consumer wants it in cash.
This card meant for Government pensions and subsidies is limited as you now make in full statement illustrating the non importance to newsagents in general except for those in the specifically affected areas. Mainly regional QLD and NSW with the indigenous sector. The Govt. is offering to all as it cannot be accused of discrimination and also it helps with the COVID situation (they believe)
Nothing wrong with this howver I just fleshed it out a bit more than it was obvious.
Not a problem
No, not pitching the fed. govt. cashless debit card as good. My post is more about this is here and expanding, and explaining why I spent money including it in the Tower software – so newsagents were not left out.
I do think other card providers will seek to piggy-back off backed knowledge when considering what their cards can be used for.
Great reasoning as the Governments card is controlling the spending of the reciprocant and to help those people get services on line by using this card.
It is good to see newsagents being included in this although its usage is restricted to certain geographical areas I would think and maybe it will have a knock on effect with others. I take it the newsagent customer will be free of any charges for using this debit card unlike EFTPOS. therefore they won’t be charged a fee for Cash Out or purchase.