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New Financial Assistance Hub

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is the information source for the news media on the Australian banking industry, providing information, analysis and context on industry issues.

The ABA plays an active role in the public dialogue on banking and financial services, providing commentary on broader industry issues and facilitating access to other sources of information.

For media inquiries contact [email protected] or 0475 741 007.


Media Releases
Banks unite to declare war on scammers  
24 November 2023

Australian banks have joined forces to launch a new Scam-Safe Accord to deliver a higher standard of protection for customers and put scammers out of business in Australia.   This Accord, between Australia’s community owned banks, building societies, credit unions and commercial banks is a comprehensive set of anti-scam measures across the entire industry.  “This Scam-Safe… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks step up to fund financial counselling services  
21 November 2023

Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.   “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.   This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood about the launch of ABA’s new financial hardship campaign  
30 October 2023

Ross Greenwood: Well, one industry that does have an effective ombudsman scheme is banking, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but as rates rise and pressure on households and businesses, managing customers and their debts is again back on the bank’s radar. Today, the Australian Banking Association launched a campaign called ‘Don’t tough it out on… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks launch campaign telling Australians “Don’t tough it out on your own”  
30 October 2023

Today the Australian Banking Association has launched a campaign encouraging Australians struggling with loan repayments to contact their bank, titled ‘Don’t tough it out on your own.’  “Banks know many of their customers are making difficult financial decisions right now as the country navigates challenging economic conditions,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.  “Banks stood by… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks shine a light on NSW small business month 
25 October 2023

As the NSW Government marks Small Business Month, the banking sector joins in celebrating the unwavering spirit and contributions of small businesses across the state. This initiative by the NSW Government is dedicated to recognising the pivotal role these enterprises play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enriching our communities. 

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Media Releases
Banks supporting the agriculture sector to sow the seeds of success 
24 October 2023

Banks have reaffirmed their commitment to Australia’s agriculture sector as it faces into an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape. 

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Media Releases
Crypto regulation a step in the right direction in the fight against scams    
16 October 2023

The ABA supports the Federal Government’s resolute action to regulate crypto exchanges, saying it is a “very welcome step in the fight against scams”. 

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to ABC Radio about how consumers are changing the way they pay and the gradual phase-out of cheques
12 October 2023

Mel Rush: What does it mean if you’ve got uncashed cheques in your wallet? Will they continue to be honored over time? Anna Bligh is CEO of the Australian Banking Association. Anna Bligh good morning.  Anna Bligh: Good morning. How are you?  Mel Rush: Very well, thanks, Anna. Look, this latest news is a little… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interviewed by ABC RN’s Hamish McDonald on branches and changing customer trends
21 September 2023

Hamish MacDonald: A Senate inquiry is examining a wave of bank closures that have hit regional Australia particularly hard. More than 1600 bank branches have closed nationally in the past six years, including 309 in the last financial year. Like post offices and milk bars, bank branches form part of the architecture of regional communities… Read more »

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ABA News
Online gambling credit card ban one step closer 
14 September 2023

New laws banning the use of credit cards for online gambling are one step closer with the introduction of the Federal Government’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Bill to Parliament.  The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed this milestone saying the new laws will make it illegal for an online gambling company to accept a credit… Read more »

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ABA News
New identity verification safeguards a step in the right direction  
14 September 2023

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the introduction of new legislation to boost the security of identity verification services.

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Media Releases
Banks raise the bar in new Banking Code    
6 September 2023

In a major step to strengthen customer protections and maintain trust in the banking sector, the Australian Banking Assocation (ABA) has submitted a proposed new Banking Code to ASIC for industry consultation. 

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Media Releases
Banks back small business  
28 August 2023

Research released by the ABA today shows total credit outstanding to SMEs at the end of last financial year had reached $588 billion – a 28% increase from the year prior.

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Media Releases
Important step to help stamp out scams
17 July 2023

Australians are under attack from scams, part of a worsening global scams scourge, and all sectors need to ramp up the fight against these criminals, including government, law enforcement, banks, telcos, social media and crypto platforms and individuals. 

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Media Releases
Statement regarding new Reserve Bank of Australia Governor
14 July 2023

The ABA welcomes the appointment of Michele Bullock as the new Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor. 

The ABA acknowledges RBA Governor Phillip Lowe’s strong leadership of the central bank during one of Australia’s most turbulent periods, the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Media Releases
ABA welcomes launch of Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre | First fusion cell to tackle investment scams 
3 July 2023

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the launch of the Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), a key government and regulator initiative to help fight the scams scourge. 

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Media Releases
Small business a critical part of Australia’s economy | UN’s World Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Day recognises crucial role  
27 June 2023

It’s World Micro, Small and Medium Sized Enterprises Day today, which highlights the importance of the Australian small business sector as the engine of the country’s economy. 

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interview with Tom Mann, ABC South Australia on new Branch Closure Support Protocol
27 June 2023

“…we anticipate seeing branches as a part of Australia’s banking system for a very long time. It’s not about closing all branches, but we do expect from time to time, there will be some branches closing as more and more Australians choose to bank differently.”

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Media Releases
New Branch Closure Support Protocol – banking industry to better support customers of closing branches 
23 June 2023

The ABA has developed a new Branch Closure Support Protocol to improve transparency, ensure better communication, and provide improved customer support when banks close branches. 

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Media Releases
World Elder Abuse Awareness Day a reminder to stay vigilant to warning signs of financial abuse   
15 June 2023

With one in six older Australians experiencing some form of abuse, today’s World Elder Abuse Awareness Day is an important reminder to look out for the warning signs.

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