Don’t tough it out on your own
29 June 2021
Banks across Australia are ready and willing to assist customers affected by the COVID-19 lockdowns.
A number of support measures are available and banks are urging customers in hardship to get in touch.
Anna Bligh, Chief Executive Officer at the Australian Banking Association said we all understand just how tough a lockdown can be on Australians and businesses and there is no need to go through this alone.
“Banks know that these lockdowns can have devastating consequences, especially for small businesses,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.
“The message from banks is clear: don’t tough it out on your own. Call your bank. They will do whatever they can to help.”
“The message from banks is clear: don’t tough it out on your own. Call your bank. They will do whatever they can to help.”
ABA CEO Anna Bligh
The type of assistance offered will depend on individual circumstances, but can include:
- Adjustments to loan repayments
- Waiving fees and charges
- Interest free periods or no interest rate increases
- Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable
Bank branches remain open as an essential service during the lockdowns.
Latest news
Media Releases
Former ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes appointed Chair ofthe Banking Code Compliance Committee
Read more
16 January 2026
In conjunction with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the ABA is pleased to announce the appointment of former ASIC Commissioner Mr Sean Hughes as the next Chair of the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC). Mr Hughes served as a Commissioner at ASIC from 2018 to 2023 and brings deep expertise in financial services… Read more »
Op-Ed
Op-Ed: Your super is footing the bill for someone else’s gamble
Read more
15 January 2026
The CSLR was intended to give basic protection to mum and dad-type investors. It should not be a collectively funded vehicle for removing investment risk from society.
Media Releases
Banks offer support to customers impacted by the Victorian bushfires
Read more
12 January 2026
Australian banks are rolling out disaster support to customers affected by the current bushfires in Victoria. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks were continuing to monitor the evolving situation across Victoria and are on standby to assist impacted customers. “This is an extremely challenging time for many Victorian communities, households and businesses,” Mr Birmingham said. “There are now special arrangements in place for those who may need additional financial assistance from their bank in the coming days, weeks and months. “Banks have highly… Read more »