30 March 2017
Sydney, 30 March 2017: Queensland residents impacted by Cyclone Debbie are encouraged to contact their bank to access emergency support, such as a suspension of loan repayments or fee waivers.
Australian Bankers’ Association Executive Director – Retail Policy Diane Tate said: “In a time of crisis people will rightly turn to their bank for support. We want everyone impacted by the cyclone to know their bank has programs in place to help them.
“Bank customers affected by the cyclone should get in touch with their bank to learn about the support packages that are in place.
“The packages vary, but all seek to ensure people affected by the cyclone can continue to meet their financial commitments while they rebuild,” Ms Tate said.
The type of assistance offered by banks will depend on each customer’s circumstances and needs, but typically include:
- Suspending home loan or credit card repayments
- Waiving charges associated with withdrawing term deposits early
- Emergency accommodation assistance, and
- Waiving fees related to restructuring business loans.
The contact details for banks’ financial hardship teams can be found here.
ENDS
Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677 or Nic Frankham 0435 963 913
Latest news
We write on behalf of the undersigned Alliance of Industry Associations to raise a growing concern aboutgovernment’s inadequate consultation on recent complex legislative and regulatory reforms. We represent 30groups from across the economy including small, medium and large businesses, farmers, builders, retailers,universities and tax and accounting professionals. Our organisations support genuine and timely consultation as… Read more »
The ABA welcomes the release of the Federal Government’s response to the Parliamentary Joint Committee on Corporations and Financial Services’ inquiry into financial abuse, released today. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham acknowledged the important work of the committee as well as the Government’s response and said banks were committed to protecting customers from the scourge of… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview ABC Statewide Drive Victoria9 October 2026 Topics: Regional banking Jane Nield: Well, do you still have a bank branch in your local area? If you’re one of the more than 600 regional locations nationwide that have lost a bank in the last few years, did it have a big impact? So often, it… Read more »