Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Budget 2020 charts the road to recovery

6 October 2020

This year’s federal budget will help Australia recover from the economic impact of COVID‑19 and create jobs as the nation recovers.


The Australian Banking Association has welcomed the strong focus on support for small and medium businesses and direct assistance to families.

“Australian banks stand ready to continue their role helping millions of Australians through 2020”, said Australian Banking Association Chief Executive Anna Bligh.

“This budget is a key milestone as we shift from emergency to recovery, from triage to rehabilitation.”

Australia’s banks are assisting hundreds of thousands of families and small businesses, through the deferral of loan repayments.

Australian banks stand ready to continue their role helping millions of Australians through 2020.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

“Government support for small business is vital. Allowing businesses to fully expense investments will provide a much-needed shot in the arm.”

“This budget has the right focus on creating jobs and will help chart Australia’s road to recovery”, Ms Bligh said.

The Australian Banking Association will continue to partner with government in the interest of all Australians.


COVID suport: phase two


A new digital economy

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks warn of dodgy websites and shonky sellers as Black Friday sales kick off
10 November 2026

Banks are warning shoppers to keep their guard up as they grab a bargain during the Black Friday sales period, after Australians reported losing more than $22 million to buying and selling scams across the past year. Common shopping scams to watch out for: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said scammers would be out in force… Read more »

Read more
Op-Ed
Government and business can help fight inflation by lifting productivity
6 November 2026

This op-ed was originally published in the Australian Financial Review More rates pain denotes an even greater focus on the fight against inflation. Rightly so. As the Reserve Bank pulls harder on the monetary policy lever to reduce aggregate demand, a proper focus also falls on the role of all governments to do likewise through… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banking productivity measures to help boost competition and benefit customers
23 October 2026

Banks welcome Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ release today of draft regulations to lift the cap on covered bond issuance, a practical step that would help small and mid-tier banks access cheaper, more stable funding. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said these changes, including streamlined reporting for smaller banks, are a welcome part of the Government’s broader productivity… Read more »

Read more