Cash distribution services regulation passes the Parliament

The Parliament has today passed legislation to help secure the sustainable distribution of cash in Australia. The Albanese Government is delivering a stronger cash distribution system, which is essential for the many Australians and businesses that rely on cash. This legislation complements our reforms that made it mandatory for supermarkets and servos to accept cash for essential items so Australians can still pay cash when they want to and need to.

It establishes a regulatory framework with practical safeguards to keep cash moving, particularly for regional communities, older Australians, small businesses and those who rely on cash, including during emergencies and outages. As cash use declines, the sector has become more concentrated and costly to operate. We’re making sure the system continues to function in the public interest.

Together, these initiatives protect Australians’ choice at the checkout. They build a stronger and more resilient payments system while ensuring those who depend on cash across Australia are not left behind as payment methods change. The cash distribution framework establishes: a mechanism for the ACCC to oversee these critical services through fair, reasonable and transparent standard terms, and to set up service‑level standards that support access to cash for all Australians crisis preparedness and resolution powers to protect continuity of critical services requirements for designated providers to negotiate with customers in good faith.

The framework ensures that workers’ protections under Fair Work obligations are appropriately prioritised in the event of incompatibility with relevant parts of the framework. The framework has been informed by recommendations from the Council of Financial Regulators and the ACCC, and consultation with industry and community stakeholders. This delivers a payment system that’s resilient, fair and works in the interests of everyday Australians.