Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026

Stage by Stage

Summaries in reported speech - not a transcript. In date order, both chambers.

1. Thursday 2 July 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate concerned the introduction of the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, aimed at safeguarding cash availability for Australians. Assistant Treasurer Daniel Mulino argued the legislation was necessary to support economic inclusion and payments system resilience, particularly for regional communities and vulnerable groups. The bill proposes regulatory powers for the Reserve Bank and the ACCC to oversee critical cash distribution entities and ensure fair pricing. No other members spoke, and the debate was adjourned without a vote being recorded in the transcript.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned.

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2. Tuesday 11 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   The debate centered on the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026, which aimed to establish a regulatory framework to ensure cash availability as critical infrastructure for vulnerable groups and during emergencies. Labor members supported the legislation, arguing it empowered the Reserve Bank of Australia and the ACCC to oversee the near-monopoly cash-in-transit sector and address market consolidation. While most speakers endorsed the bill's principles, Kevin Hogan and Andrew Gee moved amendments to express concerns over government delays, bank branch closures, and the need for broader cash acceptance mandates. The discussion highlighted the tension between digital payment trends and financial inclusion, with independents urging stronger protections for cash users.

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3. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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4. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Second Reading

   Members debated legislation establishing a national framework to regulate cash distribution services and ensure the long-term availability of physical currency in Australia. Government members argued the bills protect consumer choice and support vulnerable populations, while Opposition members supported the measures but criticised the government for delaying action until after a near-collapse of the cash-in-transit sector. The legislation empowered the Reserve Bank of Australia to designate critical entities and the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission to oversee service standards, with amendments introduced to clarify interactions with Fair Work Commission orders. Both sides acknowledged the necessity of the bills for economic inclusion, despite differing views on the timing of the government's response.

   Outcome: The bills were commended to the House by the government members.

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5. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Consideration in Detail

   The House considered amendments to the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026 during the consideration in detail stage. The Assistant Treasurer moved 23 amendments to clarify how the bill interacts with cash-related contractual chain orders made under the Fair Work Act 2009. These changes allowed for consultation between the ACCC and fair work bodies and provided exceptions to civil penalties where compliance with the bill would contravene such orders. The amendments were agreed to, and the bill was passed as amended.

   Outcome: The amendments were agreed to and the bill, as amended, was agreed to.

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6. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Reference to Federation Chamber
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7. Wednesday 12 August 2026 · House of Representatives

   Third Reading
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8. Monday 17 August 2026 · Senate

   First Reading
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9. Monday 17 August 2026 · Senate

   Second Reading

   The Senate debated legislation to regulate Australia's cash distribution system, addressing market concentration following the merger of Armaguard and Prosegur. The government argued the bills ensure cash availability for regional communities and during emergencies by granting oversight powers to the Reserve Bank and ACCC. Opposition and crossbench members supported the regulatory framework but criticised the government for delaying action until the expiry of previous ACCC undertakings. Concerns were raised regarding the adequacy of cash acceptance mandates, the closure of bank branches, and the potential for taxpayer-funded bailouts.

   Outcome: The debate was adjourned and resumed at a later hour.

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10. Thursday 20 August 2026 · House of Representatives

    Consideration of Senate Message
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11. Thursday 20 August 2026 · Senate

    Limitation of Debate
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