The ACCC has issued a draft determination proposing to authorise the Australian Banking Association (ABA) and other industry participants to develop ways to ensure the continued distribution of cash across Australia.

The ACCC also proposes to allow the parties to take certain steps to ensure cash-in-transit services would continue if Armaguard's services were suspended or disrupted. Armaguard is the main national distributor of cash in Australia. The implementation of any other measures would be subject to a separate application for authorisation, if required.

Cash-in-transit services form the basis of the cash distribution system, where physical currency is transported, processed and stored across the country. Cash-in-transit companies service the cash-related needs of banks, large retailers and hospitality venues, and also offer cash management services such as banknote refilling for ATMs.

“We are proposing to grant this authorisation to allow the ABA and other relevant parties to discuss and develop responses to ensure consumers and businesses can continue to access cash,” ACCC Deputy Chair Mick Keogh said.

“Public access to physical currency is incredibly important, especially for consumers who are reliant on cash payments including those in regional and remote areas.”

The ACCC has included three conditions in its proposed authorisation, one of which requires the ABA to develop initiatives to protect access to cash in remote areas, where there are often fewer options for accessing cash services.

Interim authorisation for this conduct has been in place with conditions since October 2024. The conduct has also been subject to previous ACCC authorisations, including an interim authorisation first granted in December 2023.

The ACCC is now seeking submissions on its draft determination.

This draft determination does not relate to the development or implementation of any pricing mechanisms between Armaguard and its major customers. The ACCC’s website will be updated with information relating to those issues when an application for authorisation is received from the parties.

Further information about the ABA’s application and how to make a submission by 14 November 2025 is available on the ACCC's website.