Kununurra, a town in Western Australia, is experiencing significant inconvenience due to the lack of ATMs and bank branches. This issue arises as Australia moves towards a cashless society, causing major banks such as the Commonwealth Bank (CBA), National Australia Bank (NAB), and Westpac to close their physical branches.

A research report suggests that employees face difficulties in relocating, training, and ensuring security, leading to the termination of operations in Kununurra. Residents must now travel up to 500 miles to access the nearest bank, as the previous convenient method of withdrawing cash at the local Coles supermarket is no longer accessible due to high demand.

The Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) reports a significant decrease in physical bank stations, with declining financial activities such as ATM usage, check cashing, and teller transactions being the primary cause. Between June 2022 and June 2023, over 424 bank ATMs closed down across the country.

The situation in Kununurra raises questions about Australia's readiness for a cashless future, particularly in remote areas. As the country transitions to digital payments, it is crucial to ensure equal access to financial services for all Australians, regardless of their location.