12 January 2016
Sydney, 12 January 2016: A range of assistance packages are available from banks to help communities affected by the bushfires in Western Australia, the Australian Bankers’ Association said today.
ABA Chief Executive Steven Münchenberg said: “Individual banks have announced assistance packages to help ease some of the burden faced by people who have lost homes and been impacted by the bushfires.
“If your household or business has been affected, contact your bank as soon as possible to find out what type of assistance is on offer,” he said.
The support offered to customers will depend on individual circumstances and needs, but may include:
- Suspending home loan or credit card repayments
- Waiving charges associated with withdrawing term deposits early
- Emergency accommodation assistance, and
- Waiving fees related to restructuring business loans.
ENDS
Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677 or Nic Frankham 0435 963 913
Latest news
Australian banks continue to back growth and innovation across the farming sector with agribusiness lending now at record levels, exceeding $131 billion for the first time. The Australian Banking Association is highlighting the banking sector’s ongoing support for Aussie farmers this National Agriculture Day. Lending to agribusinesses has skyrocketed over the last year, rising 9.4 per cent in… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the introduction into the Parliament of critical scam fighting legislation to better protect Australians. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said the Federal Government’s proposed Scams Prevention Framework is the best way forward to prevent, detect, report, disrupt and respond to scams. “This is an important step forward in our ongoing work to scam-proof… Read more »
Banks stand ready to support Far West NSW communities hit by recent storms and ongoing power outages. ABA CEO Anna Bligh acknowledged that many households and businesses in the Far West were still feeling the effect of this severe weather event. “My message to customers in these communities, is please reach out to your bank… Read more »