Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Support available for customers affected by NSW floods

21 March 2021

Australian banks are supporting communities in New South Wales after torrential rain and floods in parts of the state. 

Floodwaters have inundated towns on the NSW North Coast, Sydney has been pummelled by heavy rain and more is forecast in coming days. 

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh says banks have a range of measures in place. 

“Once the cleanup begins, it’s important for people to know that they can talk to their bank to seek assistance”, Ms Bligh said. 

“The message from banks is clear: don’t tough it out on your own, your bank is ready to help”. 

“The message from banks is clear: don’t tough it out on your own, your bank is ready to help”.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

A range of services to help farmers and small businesses

ABA member banks offer a range of services to help farmers and small businesses affected by natural disasters. These can include:  

  • A deferral of scheduled loan repayments  
  • Waiving fees and charges, including break costs on early access to term deposits  
  • Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable  
  • Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees  
  • Deferring interest payments on a case-by-case basis  
  • Offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages  
  • Deferring upcoming credit card payments  
  • Increasing emergency credit card limits. 

Get help now. Don’t tough it out on your own.

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome appointment of first Chief Scams Officer
26 March 2026

The ABA welcomes the appointment of David Lacey to lead the Australian Financial Complaints Authority’s new external scams dispute resolution service. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham congratulated Mr Lacey on his appointment to this important new role within AFCA. “Mr Lacey brings extensive experience in law enforcement, in fighting financial crime as well as liaising directly… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
Simon Birmingham speaks to ABC Radio National on the Australia-EU Trade Deal and benefits for the economy
25 March 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio National Hour24 March 2026. Topics: Australia-EU free trade deal Fran Kelly (Host): Total two-way trade between Australia and the EU was worth nearly $110 billion in the last financial year, and this Free Trade Agreement is expected to be worth an extra 10 billion in the first year alone. But farmers are… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
JOINT INDUSTRY STATEMENT: Australia–EU Agreements Deliver Opportunity Across the Economy
24 March 2026

Leading Australian business, industry, investment and peak body organisations welcome the conclusion of the Australia–European Union Free Trade Agreement, the establishment of the Australia–EU Security and Defence Partnership, and the decision to fast-track negotiations for Australia’s association with Horizon Europe. These outcomes provide much-needed clarity and confidence at a time when businesses, investors, and researchers… Read more »

Read more