COVID-19: banks are here to help.
14 October 2021
As essential services, Australia’s banks have focussed, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, on keeping their staff and customers safe.
Safety measures have included:
- Maintaining social distancing in branches and workplaces
- Installing protective screens and supplying PPE to staff
- Facilitating work from home where possible
ABA member banks also recognise that vaccination is a critical measure to protect against COVID-19 and are actively encouraging and supporting their staff to get vaccinated, including with the provision of paid leave for staff to access vaccinations and, in some locations, undertaking employer vaccination and testing programs.
After further industry discussions, individual banks have considered their next steps and will be undertaking appropriate consultation with their staff on an entity by entity basis.
Latest news
Media Releases
Banks welcome progress to establish regulatory framework for cash distribution
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22 April 2026
The ABA welcomes the release today of Treasury’s exposure draft legislation to regulate Australia’s cash-in-transit sector. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said this regulatory framework was an essential piece in the puzzle of ensuring cash remains available to Australians who still use it. “This is a welcome step and will be an important safety net in… Read more »
Transcript
Simon Birmingham on ABC Radio Sydney with Thomas Oriti discussing banking support for businesses
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20 April 2026
E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio Sydney20 April 2026. Topics: Banking support; Interest free loans for business; Industry groups call for red tape reduction; Work from home arrangements Thomas Oriti (Host): We’re hearing today that Australian banks are supporting the roll out of zero interest loans with banks to administer them to businesses in identified priority sectors with… Read more »
Transcript
Simon Birmingham speaks to Sky News’ Laura Jayes on banking support for businesses
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20 April 2026
E&OETV InterviewSky News20 April 2026. Topics: Banking support; Interest free loans for business; Industry groups call for red tape reduction Laura Jayes (Host): Well, this morning the government has announced about a billion dollars’ worth of interest free loans for any businesses with the turnover of less than $5 million that are affected by this… Read more »