Banks are ready to assist customers in financial difficulty
11 June 2021
Australian banks are supporting communities in the Victorian Gippsland region after devastating rain and floods have engulfed the area.
Flood waters have hit the region harshly, badly affecting residents including farmers, and the wild weather is expected to continue.
Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh says banks have a range of measures in place for residents in need.
“Once conditions ease, it’s important for anyone impacted to know their bank is ready to provide assistance,” she said.
“During disasters like this, the message from banks is always clear: don’t tough it out on your own, your bank is ready to help.”
“During disasters like this, the message from banks is always clear: don’t tough it out on your own, your bank is ready to help.”
ABA CEO Anna Bligh
There are a range of services available from the banks, which include:
- Credit card, personal loan and home loan relief.
- Waiving fees and charges.
- Waiving the application fee for restructuring business facilities.
- Deferral of principal and/or leasing payments.
- Free professional and confidential counselling.
Anyone impacted by the floods is encouraged to contact their bank directly.
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 »