Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Government digital plan good for consumers

29 September 2020

A new digital plan announced by the Federal Government is a major step forward that will modernise the way Australians do business and deliver significant benefits to consumers.


“COVID-19 has highlighted century-old regulations slowing business down”, said ABA Chief Executive Anna Bligh AC.
 
The ABA is part of a coalition of business groups advocating for the fast tracking of moves to a paperless, contactless digital economy.
 
“These changes will make banking faster and easier”, Ms Bligh said.
 
The Australian Banking Association applauds the permanent changes allowing electronic transactions and virtual annual general meetings.

“It’s now vital that state governments follow suit, and work together through the national cabinet to ensure state and territories laws are consistent and enable consumers to conduct a range of everyday activities such as electronic mortgages”, Ms Bligh said.

“It’s now vital that state governments follow suit, and work together through the national cabinet to ensure state and territories laws are consistent and enable consumers to conduct a range of everyday activities such as electronic mortgages”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

The Government’s funding for implementing and expanding the Consumer Data Right for open banking is also a welcome move.
 
Open banking will enable Australians to switch banks more easily and find products that suit their needs. The consumer data right will enable the safe and secure transfer of consumer data.
 
The Australian Banking Association looks forward to working with the Government to deliver the changes.


Open banking

A new digital economy



 

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome draft scams codes progress
29 November 2025

The ABA welcomes today’s release of draft industry designations and framework for scams code obligations for banks, telecommunication companies and digital platforms – reinforcing the importance of an ecosystem approach in the fight against scammers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the draft materials were the next piece of the puzzle in ongoing efforts to drive… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview on ABC Pacific Beat
28 November 2025

E&OE Radio Interview ABC Pacific Beat  28 November 2025  Topics: Loan scams impact seasonal workers; Scam protection tips Host: Welcome back to Pacific Beat. Seasonal and PALM scheme workers in Australia are being advised to stay vigilant and not share their personal details with anyone. It follows an alert issued by Commonwealth Bank warning about scams targeting seasonal workers…. Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast
28 November 2025

E&OE Radio Interview ABC Radio National Breakfast28 November 2025  Topics: APRA’s debt-to-income ratio caps change; Lending practices; Refunds on low fee accounts Sally Sara (Host): Sally Sara with you for breakfast. The banking regulator APRA has fired warning shots at major lenders this week, following an uptick in riskier forms of lending as interest rates have fallen. From February… Read more »

Read more