Contactless Revolution: The Decline of Cash Among Tradies

The information on this website is general in nature and does not take into account your objectives, financial situation, or needs. Consider seeking personal advice from a licensed adviser before acting on any information.

Graham Tomkinson, a Western Australian tradie, typifies the shift away from paper money. "Nowadays, nobody pays with cash," he says. Tomkinson has not used cash both in his professional and personal life, a stark contrast to his earlier years when he would carry pocket money.

"I keep my wallet in the car simply to store my Medicare card and tool receipts. If someone stole it, I'd just need to re-register for another Medicare card," explains Tomkinson. This casual approach highlights the diminished presence of cash in his life.

Harrison Lockyer, a 20-year-old mechanic, seconds Tomkinson's experience: "EFTPOS is ubiquitous now. The only time I keep cash is for buying car parts or in case our EFTPOS network fails."

Steven Sousamlis, a builder who operates a bathroom renovation business in Sydney, believes the move towards a cashless society is inevitable. "It's increasingly rare for stores to prefer cash. Obtaining cash from banks feels more tiresome, almost like an inquisition," says Sousamlis. "With ATMs becoming rarer, carrying cash is more of a hassle than it’s worth nowadays."

Phil Cooksey, currently a general manager at Apprentices Are Us LTD and former tradie, vividly remembers when cash ruled the trades industry from 2002 to 2018. "We used to prefer cash. It simplified transactions and often meant work could be done more cheaply. Handling cash was an everyday occurrence," he recounts.

Cooksey is critical of how the decline of cash impacts the perceived value of money. According to him, a $50 note used to be worth $50 throughout, whereas now every card transaction chips away a small percentage. "Each bank fee diminishes the total transaction value," he laments.

Besides the practical shifts, there's a sentiment shared by Graham Cooke, head of consumer research at Finder, suggesting that "cash is dead.” Finder's research shows that ATM usage has been plummeting since 2008 and could disappear entirely by 2030 if the current trajectory continues.

This evolution towards a cashless economy, though gradual, exemplifies how technology and convenience are driving significant shifts in traditional practices, even for cash-dependent professions like trades.

Published:Saturday, 7th Sep 2024
Source: Paige Estritori

Please Note: If this information affects you, seek advice from a licensed professional.

Share this news item:

Finance News

Clear

Volvo and Linfox Pave the Way for Australian-Made Electric Trucks

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a groundbreaking development for Australia's transport sector, Volvo Group Australia has announced plans to manufacture the nation's first heavy-duty electric trucks at its Wacol facility in Brisbane. This initiative is part of a significant collaboration with logistics giant Linfox, which has placed an order for 30 of these innovative vehicles. - read more

CEFC and Volvo Join Forces to Fast-Track Electric Truck Adoption in Australia

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has partnered with Volvo Group Australia to introduce a $70 million financing package aimed at accelerating the adoption of electric trucks across the nation. This initiative is designed to address financial barriers that have traditionally hindered the uptake of electric heavy vehicles. - read more

Toll Group Expands Electric Fleet with Five New Volvo Trucks in Perth

25 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant advancement for sustainable logistics, Toll Group has launched five new Volvo FE electric trucks in Perth, marking a substantial expansion of its national heavy electric vehicle program. This initiative is undertaken in partnership with Asahi Beverages and aims to enhance metropolitan beverage distribution while reducing carbon emissions. - read more

Volvo and CEFC Collaborate on $70 Million Electric Truck Financing Initiative

17 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

In a significant move towards sustainable transportation, Volvo Group Australia has partnered with the Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) to introduce a $70 million financing package aimed at accelerating the adoption of battery electric trucks (BETs) across the nation. This initiative seeks to address the financial barriers that have traditionally hindered the uptake of electric heavy vehicles. - read more

CEFC's $6 Million Investment Powers Woolworths' Electric Delivery Fleet

17 Feb 2026: Paige Estritori

The Clean Energy Finance Corporation (CEFC) has announced a $6 million investment to support the deployment of 60 battery electric trucks (BETs) for Woolworths' last-mile deliveries in New South Wales and Victoria. This initiative is part of a broader effort to reduce emissions in the transport sector and promote the adoption of electric vehicles in commercial operations. - read more

Click for more Finance News