Portfolio — 22 April 2026

Treasurer Jim Chalmers released draft legislation on 22 April to regulate the cash distribution sector, the most substantive regulatory step the government has taken on physical payment infrastructure since it introduced mandatory cash-acceptance rules for fuel and grocery retailers [TA-260422-treasu-79600e9b6dd5]. The draft creates an ACCC oversight mechanism covering fair and transparent standard terms, enforceable service-level standards for nationwide cash access, crisis preparedness and resolution powers, and good-faith negotiation requirements binding on designated providers [TA-260422-treasu-79600e9b6dd5].

The policy rationale rests on two concurrent pressures: sector concentration and rising costs on the supply side, and continued demand on the consumer side — Reserve Bank data cited in the release shows cash accounts for 15 per cent of in-person payments and approximately half of Australians use cash at least weekly [TA-260422-treasu-79600e9b6dd5]. The draft responds directly to recommendations from the Council of Financial Regulators and the ACCC following 2025 public consultation, giving the legislation a clear advisory provenance [TA-260422-treasu-79600e9b6dd5].

Framed against the Treasurer's March budget, which centred cost-of-living protections and economic resilience, today's release extends that positioning into essential payment infrastructure — the explicit concern being accessibility during disruption and for vulnerable cohorts who remain disproportionate cash users. No opposition or crossbench position on the draft is recorded in today's materials; the consultation window and any industry response will be the next material development to track.