The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics will hold public hearings for its inquiry into digital payment schemes and emerging technologies on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February 2026.

Media release issue date: Tuesday, 24 February 2026

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics will hold public hearings for its inquiry into digital payment schemes and emerging technologies on Tuesday 24 and Wednesday 25 February 2026. Committee Chair, the Hon Ed Husic MP, said ‘the Committee looks forward to hearing from people working across the payments landscape as well as those who rely on it for their day-to-day business operations.’ ‘The inquiry will put a spotlight on the fairness, competitiveness and affordability of credit card and payment systems. Taking into account concerns raised by small business, the inquiry will examine the impact and inequity of payment costs on them. It will also look at the way technology may shape the future of payments, with a focus on digital currencies and blockchain technology.’  ‘On Tuesday, the Committee will hear from key regulators and some of the larger operators in the Australian payments sector including major banks and global card network providers, as well as Apple and Australian Payments Plus.’ ‘Wednesday’s program includes industry bodies from the payments and general business sectors, including representatives of small business. The Committee will also hear from witnesses working in blockchain and cryptocurrency, and digital wallet and payment technology companies.’ Programs for the hearings and the full terms of reference for the inquiry are available on the committee’s webpage. Public hearing details Date: Tuesday 24 February 2026 Time: 9:00am – 4:00pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra Date: Wednesday 25 February 2026 Time: 9:30am – 4:15pm Location: Committee Room 2R1, Parliament House, Canberra The hearings will be broadcasted live at aph.gov.au/live  Media enquiries Adelaide Hayes Office of Hon Ed Husic MP, Chair Mobile: 0461 588 846 Parliament: (02) 6277 4108 For background information Committee Secretariat 02 6277 4587 economics.reps@aph.gov.au https://aph.gov.au/economics

The practices of credit card companies and digital wallets are set to become the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry. The announcement comes as shoppers gear up for both Christmas and Boxing Day sales.

Media release issue date: Monday, 8 December 2025

The practices of credit card companies and digital wallets are set to become the focus of a new parliamentary inquiry. The announcement comes as shoppers gear up for both Christmas and Boxing Day sales.   Last year, Australians spent nearly $70bn online, a new record. Year on year this spend has been growing by about 12 percent - and is supported significantly by credit card use.   Today the House of Representatives Standing Committee on Economics adopted the inquiry’s terms of reference.   Both card based payment schemes and digital wallets will come under the inquiry spotlight. The inquiry will give the public the chance to have their say on the fairness, competitiveness and affordability of credit card and payment systems. Taking into account concerns raised by small business, the inquiry will examine the impact and inequity of payment costs on them. It will also look at the way technology may shape the future of payments, with a focus on digital currencies and blockchain technology.  Submissions will be able to be made shortly and the closing date for submissions will be Friday 30 January, 2026.  The Committee is expected to report by April, 2026.   Quotes from Committee Chair Ed Husic MP:   “The way credit card systems work, their costs and other impacts on everyday consumers really matters to Australians confronting cost of living challenges,” said Committee Chair Ed Husic.   “After spending up ahead of Christmas, many Aussie consumers will scan a sharp eye over their credit card statements and ask questions about how they’re charged.    “This inquiry will give Australians a chance to have their say on whether they think current payment schemes are fair, accessible, competitive and affordable.   “It’s clear from existing evidence that payment schemes and digital wallets will have growing cost implications for small businesses and consumers. This inquiry offers the opportunity to do a deeper dive into that.    “Running a small business is hard work. Minimising costs and overheads is a priority for Australia’s small businesspeople who are always looking for payment systems that can offer a better deal and make their lives easier.” Media inquiries Hon Ed Husic MP Mobile: 0437 371 372 Parliament: (02) 6277 4108