27 March 2023
“The Australian Banking Association (ABA) welcomes the agreement reached today on the proposed safeguard mechanism reforms, given it paves the way for the passing of a critical piece of legislation for Australia.
The ABA supports accelerating the reduction of emissions by 2030 and a balanced and orderly transition to a net zero emissions economy by 2050.
We have advocated for the reform of the safeguard mechanism, which has an important role to play in achieving these goals.
The ABA has long argued that banks and businesses need certainty to manage their climate risks and to grasp the opportunities on the path to net zero.”
Latest news
E&OETV InterviewSky News Business with Ross GreenwoodWednesday, 17 September 2025 Topics: Banning of card surcharging; Interchange fees Ross Greenwood (Host): Simon Birmingham recently was appointed Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association and he joins me now. Simon, good to chat. You’ve been in this studio many, many times before of course, so just good… Read more »
Australian banks strongly support the RBA’s proposed ban on debit and credit card surcharges, while overwhelmingly calling for an alternative pathway forward on interchange fees. The ABA has made the following calls in a submission to the RBA’s current consultation on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »
Australia’s banks welcome the passing through the Senate of new legislation to ensure payments laws are up-to-date and reflect today’s digital economy. The new laws will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly enhancing protections for customers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »