How to get on TV: Predict the cashless society is coming soon
There’s more physical cash circulating in Australia than ever before but that doesn’t stop experts predicting an imminent cashless society.
This week ( on Monday 12th January 2026 ) the Reserve Bank of Australia reported the total value of ATM cash withdrawals was $9.27 billion in November 2025, up $100 million from October 2025 and up $410 million from $8.86 billion five years ago in November 2020.
Apart from a dip during the COVID era, the value of monthly ATM cash withdrawals has been stable in Australia for five years.
The total value of over-the-counter cash withdrawals made in a bank branch is also largely unchanged over the last five years.
The Reserve Bank of Australia reported this week that the total value of all ‘over-the-counter’ cash withdrawals made in a bank branch in Australia was $2.41 billion in November 2025. This number has not changed significantly in five years.
But banks tell us they need to close their branches and ATMs because of changing consumer behaviour.
Experts keep predicting a “Cashless Society” even though cash isn’t disappearing in Australia.
It’s obvious that banks are trying to make cash disappear by removing easy access to cash.
The chart below from APRA shows how banks are trying to restrict access to cash and face-to-face banking.
In the face of these restrictions, Australians are travelling further and paying more in fees to get cash.
Despite all the facts and figures, experts know they can use the emotive words “cashless society” to attract attention.
The words “cashless society” evoke fear and curiosity in millions of ordinary people, more than enough to be featured on mainstream media channels.
Professor Angel Zhong recently was given an award by her university for Research Engagement and Impact. Last week Professor Zhong again predicted an imminent cashless Australia and was featured on all TV networks.
Channel Ten reported:
“More cash is circulating in Australia than at any time in our history but researchers say the nation will become functionally cashless within four years.”
Australians want cash and there is no indication that the economy can operate effectively without cash. Banks continue to restrict access to cash and experts continue to predict a cashless society because they know how powerfully emotive those words are for ordinary people.
Maybe time for another award for engagement and impact?