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
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 »
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 »
E&OE Radio Interview FiveAA Breakfast with David Penberthy and Will Goodings 17 March 2026. Topics: Tax paid by Australian banks; RBA Powers to regulate big tech David Penberthy (Host): Well, it’s a big amount of money, $16 billion that’s how much tax Australia’s biggest banks paid last year. And at the same time, organisations like Apple, Google and Meta, you think about the ease with which and the frequency with which we… Read more »