The ‘Access to Cash Bill’, to be approved by the Cabinet on Wednesday, grants the Central Bank new authority to tackle issues with cash access, particularly in rural and regional areas.


The laws will also require banks to provide ATMs within five to ten kilometres of regional populations.


Speaking to Newstalk, Minister for Finance Jack Chambers stated that the laws will safeguard cash access for businesses and individuals in the future.


“We currently have strong levels of cash infrastructure in the State, with 99 percent coverage within 5 to 10 kilometres of where people live in rural areas. This legislation aims to protect that infrastructure and prevent significant deficits in the future.”