Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Banking industry welcomes new economic team

Banking industry welcomes new economic team

27 May 2019

The Australian Banking Association welcomes the reappointment of Treasurer the Hon Josh Frydenberg MP and the new appointments of the Hon Michael Sukkar MP as Assistant Treasurer and Minister for Housing and Senator Jane Hume as Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.  

The industry is committed to earning back the trust of the Australian people and looks forward to working with the new ministers appointed to implement the recommendations of the Royal Commission and ensure lending conditions remain geared for economic growth.

CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh welcomed the new appointments and looks forward to working closely with the Government on important policies such as improving protections for customers through overhauling the Banking Code of Practice, Open Banking and the Government’s First Home Buyers policy announced during the campaign.

“Congratulations to Josh Frydenberg on his reappointment as Treasurer, to the Hon Michael Sukkar MP on his appointment as Assistant Treasurer and Senator Jane Hume on her appointment as Assistant Minister for Superannuation, Financial Services and Financial Technology.

“The Royal Commission clearly set out a number of key changes to banking, particularly around the Banking Code of Practice, which the industry have been working tirelessly to implement over the past few months.

“There are a number of critical reforms apart from the Royal Commission, most notably Open Banking and Comprehensive Credit Reporting, which the industry is eager to continue to work closely with the Government to ensure their success.

“Australia’s banks hold a critical role in the national economy and stand ready to work with the Morrison Government to ensure the economy keeps growing, from the financing of infrastructure projects to helping everyday people get ahead in life with first homes, cars and small business lending.

“Ensuring lending remains straight forward and easy for Australian customers looking to buy a home or invest in their business is a top priority for the industry and remains a critical element in ensuring the economy is geared for growth,” she said.

ENDS
Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banking productivity measures to help boost competition and benefit customers
23 October 2026

Banks welcome Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ release today of draft regulations to lift the cap on covered bond issuance, a practical step that would help small and mid-tier banks access cheaper, more stable funding. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said these changes, including streamlined reporting for smaller banks, are a welcome part of the Government’s broader productivity… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome calls for regulation that backs growth
21 October 2026

Banks have welcomed Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson’s call today for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to give more weight to economic growth in their decision making. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said regulation that supports growth is key to lifting productivity across the economy. “Banks want to… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO interview with ABC Afternoon Briefing’s Patricia Karvelas on the Australia-EU free trade deal
20 October 2026

E&OETV InterviewInterview ABC Afternoon Briefing19 October 2026 Topics: Australia-EU free trade deal, investment benefits Patricia Karvelas: Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, but he’s a former finance minister in a previous coalition government. And our guest, welcome to the program. Simon Birmingham: Hi, Patricia. Good to be with you again. Patricia… Read more »

Read more