SENATE INQUIRY INTO BANK CLOSURES ACROSS AUSTRALIA

There have been 92 bank branches closed or announced to close since September.

Some of these banks are the only ones in the towns for hundreds of kilometres.

The Nationals and Citizens Party are calling on Banks to stop closures while a senate inquiry into bank closures is processed.

Citizens Party Research Director Robert Barwick says that bank branch closures disproportionately affect regional towns.

“It has a disproportionate impact in the regions, especially in a place like Western Australia where there is much greater distance between the towns,” he said. ‘

“A lot of these towns its their last bank, and when you lose your last bank it can really cause trouble for the local economy.”

Mr Barwick says that banks are ignoring the banking code of practice that requires increased access for Indigenous Australians.

“This goes clearly against the banks obligations to indigenous Australians in the bankings code of practice but the banks are just ignoring it,” he said.

There is an inquiry into bank closures and the affects on communities and Mr Barwick encourages everyone to submit a response with an experience of how a bank closure has affected you or your views on bank closures.

Listen to the interview here:

How to make submissions

Submissions to the inquiry are due by 31 March. All impacted communities, organisations, businesses, and individuals are strongly urged to make a submission.

A submission can be a formal representation from an organisation, or as simple as a letter or email, which explains to the Committee your experience and views.

Elderly and vulnerable regional bank customers, who are disproportionately affected, are especially encouraged to hand-write or type physical letters and mail them to the Committee through the post.

Mail your submission to the Committee at this address:
Committee Secretary
Senate Standing Committees on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport
PO Box 6100
Parliament House
Canberra ACT 2600

Email your submission to the Committee at rrat.sen@aph.gov.au

Upload your submission, and get more information, at the inquiry website

For more information, phone the Committee on 02 6277 3511.