The government is insisting a proposal to criminalise large cash transactions won’t turn small business owners into criminals.

The new laws aim to crack down on the black economy by making it illegal for businesses to accept cash payments greater than $10,000.

But some experts are concerned the laws could turn everyday Australians, like those who pay for a second-hand car in cash, into criminals.

Assistant Federal Treasurer Michael Sukkar tells Alan Jones the government has consulted with small businesses and is confident the laws largely won’t affect them.

“This is really going to assist our security agencies and law enforcement.

“What motivates this particular change… is less about tax collection and more about smashing criminal gangs.”

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