Webster welcomes Regional Banking Taskforce idea

Regional Banking Taskforce co-chairs - The assistant Treasurer, Minister for Housing and Homelessness Social and Community Housing Michael Sukkar and Senator Perin Davey - recently announced the start of public consultation by the Taskforce.

Member for Mallee Anne Webster said the taskforce was a warmly welcomed initiative of the federal government in the region.

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"I've had many of my constituents express their frustration and disappointment of the local bank branch closures in their towns," she said.

"These closures, and in some cases reduced hours, are incredibly frustrating for local, particularly those who are unable to use online services to conduct their banking.

"Taskforce will bring together banks and other key stakeholders who will hold a number of regional round tables to assess how bank branch closures have impacted local businesses, industries and communities and work collaboratively to identify possible solutions.

"This is a pragmatic and outcomes driven taskforce that will explore constructive avenues to provide an essential service to our communities."

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Australians can contribute their insights into regional bank branch closures by making submissions to the Taskforce over the coming weeks and are encouraged to do so.

Insights from the submissions will help the Taskforce better understand the impacts of branch closures and how Australians are accessing banking services.

They will also help improve banking services and accessibility where branches have closed.

These submissions will build on the discussions held between senior representatives of banks and other key stakeholders at the Taskforce's first meeting on November 9 in Sydney.

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The Taskforce will continue exploring potential solutions for maintaining and improving banking services and accessibility with meetings scheduled for December 2021 and January 2022.

Submissions are invited by email to regionalbanking@treasury.gov.au or by mail to: Secretariat, Regional Banking Taskforce, Financial System Division, The Treasury, Langton Crescent, Parkes ACT 2600.

The consultation process will open for four weeks with submissions closing December 18.

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