What was debated: Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill sets up rules to keep cash moving around Australia as fewer people use it. It lets the Reserve Bank pick key cash transport and processing businesses for oversight, gives the ACCC power over their prices and service standards, and gives the Reserve Bank crisis powers backed by up to $400 million. The transcript mostly covers the minister's speech and procedural votes, including government amendments about how the law fits with Fair Work orders for cash-in-transit workers.
Arguments made in support
The government said Australians who want or need cash, especially in regional areas, older people and small businesses, should not be pushed out of the economy.
It said falling cash use is straining the business of moving cash, so oversight is needed to keep prices fair and services reliable.
It said crisis powers and last-resort funding would help stop disruptions, with unrecovered costs charged to major users of cash services.
Government amendments were moved so that Fair Work orders covering cash-in-transit work can take priority over competing obligations where needed.
Arguments made against, or for changes
Amendments moved by the members for Calare and Page were put to a vote; the Calare amendment was defeated, but the transcript does not record what either amendment said.
7 speeches by 3 members in the House over 3 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
What was debated: Cash Distribution Framework (Consequential Amendments and Transitional Provisions) Bill 2026
Summarised using AI from the official Hansard transcript of the debate only. It is not a record of the debate and may leave things out. Read the Hansard below to check it.
This bill supports the main Cash Distribution Framework Bill, which was debated alongside it. Together they let the Reserve Bank name key cash-transport companies, give the ACCC oversight of their prices and service levels, and set up emergency powers and up to $400 million in last-resort funding to keep cash moving. This bill also gives the ACCC temporary powers to give directions during the changeover, and the debate focused on access to cash and whether the government acted quickly enough.
Arguments made in support
Government members said about one in ten Australians still use cash for most purchases, especially older, lower-income and regional people.
Supporters said one company now moves most of Australia's cash, so a regulator is needed to keep prices fair and service reliable.
Speakers from all sides said cash keeps working during power cuts, network outages and natural disasters.
Government members said amendments make sure the new rules do not override Fair Work Commission safety and pay orders for transport workers.
Coalition and One Nation speakers said they would not oppose the bills, calling cash critical national infrastructure.
Arguments made against, or for changes
The Coalition moved an amendment saying the government acted too late, since risks were clear after a 2023 merger and a near-crisis at Easter 2024.
Coalition speakers said the bills get cash delivered but not accepted, and the cash mandate is too narrow, for example not covering pharmacies.
The Coalition and others said there is no plan for when the pause on regional bank branch closures ends in July 2027.
Independent Andrew Gee moved an amendment calling for businesses to accept cash for purchases up to $10,000.
One Nation's Malcolm Roberts warned the $400 million crisis funding could be triggered too easily, and independent Dai Le said compliance costs could reach consumers.
46 speeches by 34 members in the House and Senate over 5 sitting days.
Hansard: House of Representatives, 2 July 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 11 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: House of Representatives, 12 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 17 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Hansard: Senate, 20 Aug 2026 ›
The official Hansard (PDF), Parliament of Australia
Every party member who voted went with the majority of their party.