Having been in NZ recently, given the cost of living they "enjoy", I'm surprised if anyone has lazy cash to put away for an emergency. I did hear a news report that the NZ Treasury has warned the Government that the system of welfare payments is not sustainable.

Closer to home, Australia could introduce a cashless system here, particularly for aged welfare. A system whereby a card (like the old food stamps of yesteryear) allows for certain supermarket items to be purchased by the needy old fella, baked beans, 2 minute noodles, beef or chicken, I like to give variety, ah, that's it, beans and noodles, certainly no chocolates, and definitely no Tim Tams, my personal favorite. With the $70 billion saved Australia could soon purchase its very own battle ship the HMAS ALBO, a second hand Yank job from WW2, keeping our dear friend Donald on side, and giving us 3.5% of GDP to spend on blowing up things, Donald will be happy. Then we could teach the you know who a real lesson, especially when the ALBO, with Captain Antz at the helm, sails up the Yangtze and blows a dirty big hole in their crappy Great Wall! See how they like those apples! A win win situation for all, except for you know who. Armchair are you on side with that, I'm sure ttbn will be, he likes to blow things up.

The RBA has found that it is “in the public interest” to remove surcharges on Mastercard and Visa card, thereby saving us $1.2 billion annually.

After July 2026, for some reason: no legislation required. The RBA has the power to see to it now. Who needs the government!

The removal would apply to credit cards as well as debit cards using people's own money. The RBA has no control over American Express.