Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Banks here to support cyclone affected areas

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

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome passage of Payments System Modernisation Bill through the House
3 September 2025

The ABA welcomes the passage through the House of critical legislation to ensure Australia’s payments regulatory framework is brought up-to-date and urges the Senate to quickly pass this overdue legislation too. The proposed legislation will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Fans urged to watch out for ticket scams ahead of footy finals
28 August 2025

With the AFL and NRL finals about to kick off and demand for tickets set to surge, the Australian Banking Association is warning footy fans to be on the lookout for scammers.  The ABA is issuing this warning during Scams Awareness Week and as tickets for the AFL finals go on sale from today.  … Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome move to bring forward the Home Guarantee Scheme
25 August 2025

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed today’s announcement from the Federal Government to bring forward the start of the Home Guarantee Scheme. Under the Guarantee, eligible first home buyers are able to purchase a home with a smaller deposit and avoid paying lenders’ mortgage insurance. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said it made sense to… Read more »

Read more