TELSTRA'S outage around Berri in recent days is further evidence of the need to retain cash, a South Australian MP says.

Local social media blew up with complaints about the outage, which started last week and is expected to end today.

Locals expressed their dissatisfaction with the situation, with some warning others to shop with cash at Berri retail outlets.

“Good ole cash to the rescue” said one local, while another declared that “cash is king”.

One Nation MLC Sarah Game said the Riverland example again underlined the importance of retaining cash, rather than moving to 100 per cent electronic banking.

“We see this every time there's an outage,” Ms Game said.

“This time, unfortunately for some Riverland people, it's those who are affected, but it was only earlier this year that millions of people across Australia were impacted by a computer outage.

“That's why I have made the retention of cash one of my major missions since being elected. In fact I have a bill before state parliament right now that helps address this issue.

“My Public and Audit (Cash Payments) Amendment Bill 2024 would require designated authorities, including South Australian councils, to accept payments of legal tender in the form of cash for any transaction under $10,000.”

Ms Game said legislating for businesses to accept cash was a “more difficult proposal”, but one she was prepared to tackle.

The outage has been due to Telstra upgrading its mobile site that services Berri.

Meanwhile on the weekend Treasurer Jim Chalmers said the Federal Government would explore ways to require businesses to accept cash for groceries, fuel and other essentials.