The Government has introduced the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026 into the House of Representatives to regulate cash distribution services in Australia and providers of those services.
It introduces a crisis management and resolution regime for cash distribution services that are critical to the availability of cash in Australia for those who need or want to use it.
The framework will be administered by the ACCC and the RBA.
The RBA can designate an entity that has a significant role in the Australian cash distribution system. A designated entity is then subject to the regulatory framework, with the exercise of some of its powers, such as crisis resolution actions, available only in certain circumstances.
If passed, the Bill requires a designated entity to provide the ACCC with a list of cash distribution service agreements and access agreements.
It gives powers for the ACCC to set service-level standards.
As examples, the following services are considered “cash distribution services”:
the collection, transport or delivery of cash, including collection from the issuer of the cash for circulation;
* the administration of requests for cash;
* receiving and dealing with cash on bailment;
* the transfer or trading of cash at, or between, locations where cash is routinely stored, processed or packaged;
* the sorting, storing, processing or packaging of cash;
* quality control or counterfeit detection in relation to cash;
* facilitating the supply of cash from the issuer to cash distribution service providers and/or service points that enable deposits or withdrawals of cash (for example, bank branches, ATMs, post office outlets and ethos cash-out terminals);
* restocking or servicing of service points that enable deposits or withdrawals of cash (for example, bank branches, ATMs, post office outlets and EFTPOS cash-out terminals).
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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.
