University of Wollongong law student, Oliver Griffiths, takes cashless parking fight to court

A South Coast law student dubbed the ‘cash crusader’ who is protesting his university’s campus-wide cashless parking system has bolstered his battle in court, with a hearing date set to argue that cash is legal tender and therefore, cannot be refused.

University of Wollongong law student, Oliver Griffiths. Picture: Tom McGann

A South Coast law student dubbed the ‘cash crusader’ who is protesting his university’s campus-wide cashless parking system has bolstered his battle in court, with a hearing date set to argue that cash is legal tender and therefore, cannot be refused.

Oliver Griffiths, 21, appeared self represented in Wollongong Local Court on Thursday to set a date to appeal a $97 fine he garnered for refusing to pay via card for parking at the University of Wollongong.

The fine arose after Mr Griffiths left notes on his dashboard offering to pay in cash, including his contact details for parking inspectors.

“Cash is Australia’s legal tender. I am happy to pay cash for parking. Please contact me on [number]. Cheers, owner of vehicle,” the note reads.

The law student’s decision comes from his stern belief that “cash is king” and his personal preference to use tangible currency over digital payment.

After the Daily Telegraph published a story on Mr Griffiths and his campaign to fight the fine, he went viral, and appeared on morning talk shows around the country.

Oliver Griffiths has been leaving notes on his dash. Picture: Tom McGann

Mr Griffiths said cash was vital to a resilient economy and noted Australians should be free to use it.

The fourth year law student appeared self represented before Magistrate Michael Love to confirm he would be fighting the fine.

Generic rainy photo of Wollongong Court on April 7, 2022. Picture: Dylan Arvela

He told this publication appearing in court was a “daunting experience”.

“I was lined up in a hallway with a lot of people who were dealing with a lot more serious offences than myself, and I felt like I had done something egregiously wrong, when all I did was try to pay with cash,” he said.

“This is obviously not a crime.”

Mr Griffiths said his defence remained that cash was Australia’s legal tender.

“I’ve been researching and I’ve come to the conclusion the term ‘legal tender’ isn’t clearly defined by the courts,” he said.

However, the young man’s brief court appearance did not come without complications, after he was lectured by Magistrate Love for giving him a thumbs up.

“I’m very inexperienced with the court system,” Mr Griffiths said.

“My general nice vibes got me to stick my thumb up and I got scolded.”

The University of Wollongong previously said in a statement to media that cash options were still available, but Mr Griffiths said this was a falsity.

“If all the students demanded a cash option, I think the university would change,” he said.

Mr Griffiths will return to court on August 7 to fight the fine and voice his defence.

“We’re going to have a lot of supporters,” he said.

“If you’re going to take cash away and then punish you like a criminal, what kind of country do we live in?”

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Originally published as University of Wollongong law student, Oliver Griffiths, takes cashless parking fight to court