Mandating cash acceptance: Chalmers I Australian Rural & Regional News

Cash to remain king for essentials under new rules

Reading Time: 2 minutes  For many Australians – including large sections of migrant and multicultural communities – cash remains a practical, trusted way to manage everyday expenses. From January 1, 2026, new federal regulations will ensure that choice is protected for essential purchases such as fuel and groceries. Under the new rules announced by the Treasurer Jim Chalmers, most fuel stations and grocery retailers like Coles and Woolworths wil…

Mandating cash acceptance: Chalmers I Australian Rural & Regional News

The Hon. Jim Chalmers, Treasurer of Australia, Media Release, 14 December 2025 We’re delivering on our commitment to mandate cash acceptance for essential purchases by finalising regulations that require fuel and grocery retailers to accept cash from 1 January 2026. We’re making it mandatory for businesses to accept cash when they sell these essential items. This will help to ensure Australians can continue to pay with cash for essentials if the…