New Rules to Protect Cash Payments at Supermarkets and Fuel Stations

The Federal Government has released draft regulations designed to make sure shoppers can still pay with cash at major supermarkets and fuel retailers.

What the Proposed Rules Say

Under the proposed laws, supermarkets and fuel outlets will be required to accept cash for in-person purchases of $500 or less. The move aims to ensure that Australians, especially those in regional and rural areas, can continue using cash for everyday essentials like groceries and fuel.

The rules would apply through new industry codes that set out how these retailers must handle payments. Businesses covered by the codes will need to make sure customers have a genuine opportunity to pay in cash if they wish, even as digital and contactless payments become more common.

A Narrower Scope Than Expected

The regulations only apply to two industries: supermarkets and fuel retailing. This means most other types of businesses will not be required to accept cash under the new framework. The Government says the limited approach strikes a balance between preserving choice for consumers and minimising compliance costs for business.

Why Cash Still Matters

While electronic payments continue to dominate, cash remains important for many Australians. Some people prefer it for budgeting or privacy reasons, while others in regional areas rely on it when digital payment systems are unreliable or unavailable.

By setting clear rules for essential services, the Government hopes to prevent a situation where customers are left without the ability to pay during outages or emergencies.

What This Means for Fuel Retailers

For service stations, the draft regulations reinforce the importance of maintaining working cash-handling systems. Even as digital payments grow, having the ability to accept and process cash remains a customer service expectation, particularly in smaller towns and communities.

Industry feedback on the draft regulations is now open, with final rules expected to be confirmed later this year.

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