Overview
The Cash Distribution Framework Act 2026 (No. 68, 2026) became law on 26 August 2026. It establishes a national framework for overseeing how cash is distributed across Australia. The Act is administered by the Department of the Treasury.
What the Act sets up
The Act creates a structure under which the Reserve Bank of Australia can designate specific entities as significant cash distribution service providers. Entities that receive this designation face a set of obligations under the framework.
Obligations on designated entities
The Act imposes the following obligations on entities designated as significant cash distribution service providers:
- Reporting obligations - designated entities are required to report to the ACCC.
- Mandatory negotiation and arbitration - designated entities are subject to mandatory negotiation and arbitration processes.
- Service-level standards - designated entities must meet service-level standards set under the framework.
- Crisis readiness requirements - designated entities face crisis readiness requirements.
Scope of the Act
The Act is directed at large infrastructure-level cash distribution businesses. The Act identifies the availability of cash services across Australia as the underlying policy concern it addresses.
Where to find the Act
The full text of the Act is available at https://www.legislation.gov.au/C2026A00068. Alerts for amendments, standards, or rules made under the Act - including Reserve Bank notification rules and ACCC standard terms - can be set up at the same address on the Federal Register of Legislation.
This is a plain-English summary for information only, not legal or compliance advice. Always check the official source or consult a qualified professional.