Law Student Challenges $97 Parking Fine Over Cash Payment Dispute

A law student from Australia is contesting a parking fine he received on campus, asserting that the parking meter did not allow for cash payments. Oliver Griffiths, who studies at the University of Wollongong, was issued a fine of $97 earlier this month for parking without a ticket. He argues that the signage in the car park indicated payment could be made with both ‘credit card or coins’ at the time he parked his vehicle.

Last year, the university implemented a new parking policy that transitioned to digital-only payment systems. This change has drawn criticism from Griffiths, who believes it contributes to the rise of a cashless society. In a video posted on social media, he expressed his frustrations, stating, “My name is Oliver and I have fallen victim to the incoming cashless society.”

In an attempt to resolve the issue, Griffiths left a handwritten note on his dashboard, offering to pay in cash. He included a $10 note along with his phone number, requesting that the parking inspector contact him for payment. The note read: “Dear parking inspector, cash is Australia’s legal tender. I am not available to pay by card right now, but I can only pay in cash. I’ll come down right now and pay. Here’s my number, give me a ring.”

Despite his efforts, the fine was upheld, prompting Griffiths to declare his intention to fight the penalty in court. He emphasized the importance of cash, stating, “Cash is essential to the economic freedoms of people, and it sustains everyday purchases of small businesses and individuals daily.”

Griffiths contends that cash remains a legal form of tender in Australia and points out that at the time of receiving the fine, there was clear signage indicating that payment could be made via coins or cards. He stated, “If a magistrate orders me to pay the fine, I will take out my wallet and pay in cash.”

Looking ahead, a federal mandate is set to take effect on January 1, 2026, requiring businesses to provide a cash payment option for customers. This legislation targets essential goods, ensuring that items like groceries and fuel can still be purchased using cash. Despite a growing preference for cashless transactions, approximately 1.5 million Australians still favour cash payments.

The trend toward cashless payments has accelerated in recent years, especially following the Covid-19 pandemic. According to data from the Reserve Bank of Australia, the proportion of cash transactions halved from 32 percent in 2019 to 16 percent in 2022, and cash currently accounts for around 10 percent of all transactions. Projections suggest this figure could drop to just 7 percent by 2030.

In response to the diminishing role of cash, advocacy groups are promoting its importance. Jason Bryce, from the Cash Welcome initiative, recently led a campaign called “Cash Out Day,” which encouraged Australians to withdraw cash from ATMs and banks. In 2024, an estimated 1.6 million people participated, withdrawing a total of around $500 million.

Bryce also started a petition on Change.org, which has garnered nearly 210,000 signatures. The petition demands that all Australians have reasonable access to cash and full banking services, asserting that consumers should always have the option to use cash for essential purchases.

As Griffiths continues his battle against the parking fine, he highlights a growing sentiment among Australians regarding their right to use cash. “Millions of Australian consumers and businesses trust and rely on cash for their everyday needs and for budgeting purposes,” he remarked, reiterating the importance of retaining cash as a viable payment method in an increasingly digital world.