Cash Distribution Framework Act 2026
4Simplified outline of this Act
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4 Simplified outline of this Act
This Act provides for a scheme to designate, monitor, regulate, and in a crisis scenario manage, entities that have a significant role in the cash distribution system.
The Reserve Bank has the role of designating entities considered to have a significant role in the cash distribution system.
This Act establishes a framework for regulating service agreements and access agreements that are entered into by designated entities. Designated entities are required to report and keep records of those agreements and are regulated in their conduct when negotiating with potential parties to an agreement. An arbitration process is established under this Act for disputes about proposed terms of service agreements and access agreements.
The ACCC oversees, regulates and monitors the reporting, record‑keeping and dispute resolution requirements relating to service agreements and access agreements. The ACCC may also set service‑level standards that relate to the provision of cash distribution services and facilities access.
This Act imposes certain obligations on designated entities to enable management in a crisis scenario. The Reserve Bank is given powers to manage, set standards and address events that may threaten the continuity of critical cash distribution services. For the purposes of ensuring the continuity of critical cash distribution services, the Minister, with the Finance Minister’s approval, may authorise the payment of a specified amount if certain conditions are met.
The Reserve Bank and the ACCC are given information gathering powers and powers to make notification rules and record‑keeping rules as part of the performance of their functions under this scheme.
A range of compliance and enforcement powers are provided to the Reserve Bank and the ACCC under this Act, including by applying the Regulatory Powers Act.
This Act also deals with administrative matters such as the review process for certain decisions, delegations and the power to make rules.