The Albanese Government is today releasing exposure draft regulations to make sure those people who rely on cash can still use it for essential purchases.
These regulations will help ensure Australians won’t be left behind for grocery and fuel purchases as many businesses move to cashless payment.
We are also including appropriate exemptions for small businesses which find it harder to deal with cash.
We recognise that Australians are increasingly using digital payment methods, but there will be an ongoing place for cash in our society under the Albanese Government.
These draft regulations are informed by public consultation earlier this year.
They will:
- prescribe cash acceptance for fuel and grocery retailers via mandatory industry codes of conduct;
- limit the mandate to in‑person transactions of $500 or less; and
- exempt small businesses with aggregate turnover of under $10 million, or, if the business is part of a franchise arrangement – the franchise arrangement’s turnover is under $10 million.
The mandate will apply to fuel and grocery retailers as this will best meet consumer expectations to be able to pay for essential goods in cash, while minimising the costs and risks to businesses.
This is a balanced, practical, and sensible step to support cash users and give consideration to businesses.
Importantly, consumers already have the option to pay their bills, including utilities, phone bills and council rates, in cash at their local Australia Post outlet through Post Billpay on the current terms of this service.
Billpay is available at post offices across Australia and is relied on by businesses and government agencies, including utility providers and government entities across local, state and Commonwealth levels.
The Government will review the mandate after 3 years, to ensure it is functioning as intended where it matters most.
This review will consider whether the mandate should be expanded, its impact on businesses, and any developments in cash distribution and access.
The Council of Financial Regulators and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission released a consultation paper in July with a series of proposals on regulating cash distribution.
We will consider CFR recommendations to government carefully, along with industry feedback, and work hard to ensure that Australians can keep accessing cash.
The Government invites submissions on the exposure draft regulations with consultation closing on 31 October 2025.