2 April 2025
Banks stand ready to support customers in western Queensland and parts of New South Wales affected by heavy rainfall and flooding.
ABA CEO Anna Bligh said customers don’t have to tough it out on their own and banks have a range of practical measures to assist those facing financial stress.
“This is a challenging time for many communities impacted by heavy rainfall and flooding,” Ms Bligh said.
“Banks recognise the financial and emotional stress of extreme weather events, and they are here to help customers and communities navigate through these uncertain times.
“I urge customers who are facing financial difficulty as a result of these floods to reach out to their bank as soon as possible to discuss the support options that are available.
“Our banks have highly experienced specialist teams ready to assist with any financial concerns or enquiries customers may have.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an individual, a farmer or a business customer, banks have a range of options from repayment deferrals through to loan restructuring to help you get back on your feet.”
Depending on individual circumstances, banks may be able to assist with:
- customised arrangements or deferrals of upcoming credit card payments or loan repayments
- temporary overdrafts or emergency credit limit increases
- restructuring of existing loans
- waiving or refunding fees and charges
- offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages.
The ABA is also reminding customers to be vigilant for scammers that may try to take advantage of people who have been impacted by the flooding.
For more information on Natural Disaster Assistance visit: https://www.ausbanking.org.au/natural-disaster-assistance/
Latest news
The ABA is reminding customers across North and Far North Queensland that they don’t have to tough it out on their own, as they continue to recover from February’s severe flooding event. ABA CEO Anna Bligh recently met with Queensland’s State Recovery Coordinator Andrew Cripps to discuss how banks can assist customers facing financial difficulty… Read more »
The Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes the release of the 2025-26 Federal Budget that maintains confidence in our financial system. The ABA welcomes initiatives to: “This Budget provides extra support to Australians in the short-term whilst at the same time helping to address some of our longer-term challenges,” Ms Bligh said. “There are modest measures… Read more »
Banks are continuing to play their part in the fight against scammers, as the ABA welcomes a new report showing scam losses fell by almost 26 per cent last year. The ABA acknowledges the release of the 2024 Targeting Scams Report by the National Anti-Scam Centre showing combined reported scam losses fell by $700 million… Read more »