6 March 2025
Banks are on standby to assist customers across Queensland and Northern NSW who might be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the coming days.
ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks are closely monitoring the developing situation along the east coast and are putting in place arrangements to support customers in affected areas.
“This is a difficult time for many households, businesses and farmers across southern parts of Queensland and Northern NSW,” Ms Bligh said.
“I want to reassure customers that banks are here to support you. In the coming days, if you begin to face financial difficulties and need assistance, reach out to your bank.
“Our banks have highly experienced specialist teams ready to assist with any financial concerns or enquiries you might have.
“Banks have a range of practical measures that they can put in place to help you navigate through these uncertain times. You don’t have to tough it out on your own.
“It doesn’t matter if you’re an individual or a business customer, or both, banks have a variety of options available from repayment deferrals through to loan restructuring to help you get by.
“In the coming days, if you need help from your bank, contact them as early as possible to discuss what tailored assistance can be made available.”
Depending on individual circumstances, banks may be able to assist with:
- customised arrangements or deferrals of upcoming credit card payments or loan repayments
- temporary overdrafts or emergency credit limit increases
- restructuring of existing loans
- waiving or refunding fees and charges
- offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages.
Customers are encouraged to visit their banks’ website for regular updates. Due to the weather conditions, you may find your local branch is closed or on reduced operating hours. Branches will open again as soon as it is safe to do so.
For more information on Natural Disaster Assistance visit: https://www.ausbanking.org.au/natural-disaster-assistance/
Latest news
E&OETV InterviewInterview on News24 AM Agenda1 October 2026 Topics: Card surcharging ban; Interest rates; Refinancing Laura Jayes: Well credit card, any card surcharges are banned from today. I know customers will be happy. Small business, though, they’re not so sure. Joining me live now is the Australian Banking Association Chief Executive, Simon Birmingham. Simon, great… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview on FiveAA Adelaide1 October 2026 Topics: Card surcharging ban Stacey Lee: Well, speaking of budgets, everyone’s are tight at the moment and they might get a little bit tighter from today because card surcharges have come to an end. It’s the first of October. It’s a deadline on a whole lot of things,… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview on ABC Adelaide1 October 2026 Topics: Interest rates; Hardship support from banks; Card surcharging ban Sonya Feldhoff: Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association. He’s also a former SA senator and finance minister. So, all of these things have been very much in his purview for a long time. Simon… Read more »