Treasury has released for consultation the draft Competition and Consumer (Industry Codes—Cash Acceptance) Regulations 2025.

It creates 2 new mandatory industry codes.

The new codes require certain retail businesses supplying certain essential goods – namely, fuel and groceries – to accept payment in cash (generally referred to as the ‘cash acceptance mandate’ ). This makes them accept cash, with some exemptions.

The Codes require retailers to ensure that consumers making in-person payments of $500 or less are provided with a reasonable opportunity to do so in cash.

Civil penalties are in place for failing to comply, and there are exemptions for small business retailers and for specified entities exempted by the ACCC.

The cash mandate will come into force in January 2026.

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Author: David Jacobson
Principal, Bright Corporate Law
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About David Jacobson
The information contained in this article is not legal advice. It is not to be relied upon as a full statement of the law. You should seek professional advice for your specific needs and circumstances before acting or relying on any of the content.