Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Banks to assist mouse plague affected customers

3 June 2021

Customers affected by the mouse plague are being encouraged to contact their bank to access assistance on offer, which can include deferring principal payments on business loans, credit card and personal relief and waiving costs for withdrawing term deposits early.

Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said as the plague continues to worsen banks are ready to assist communities and have been helping customers in need.

“Whether it be a drought, flood, COVID-19 or a mouse plague, Australian banks are committed to assisting customers in need,” Ms Bligh said.

“I’m urging anyone who has been affected by the mouse plague to get in touch with their bank and find out about the assistance on offer.”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

“I’m urging anyone who has been affected by the mouse plague to get in touch with their bank and find out about the assistance on offer.”

“No one needs to suffer in silence and we all know natural disasters and plagues can bring unwanted stress into people’s lives, so customers should make the most of this opportunity and speak to their bank to find out what’s on offer.”

ABA member banks are offering a range of assistance measures to help customers in need. These measures can include:

  • Deferring principal payments on business loans and/or leasing payments
  • Offering a reduction on home loan and personal loan repayments
  • Credit card and personal loan relief
  • Waiving application fees for restructuring business facilities
  • Mental health support via specialist programs

Customers are encouraged to contact their bank directly to discuss hardship arrangements available to them.


Banks are ready to assist customers in financial difficulty


Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Australian banks support card surcharging ban, urge alternative on interchange fees
9 September 2025

Australian banks strongly support the RBA’s proposed ban on debit and credit card surcharges, while overwhelmingly calling for an alternative pathway forward on interchange fees.  The ABA has made the following calls in a submission to the RBA’s current consultation on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
New payments system rules welcomed by banks
4 September 2025

Australia’s banks welcome the passing through the Senate of new legislation to ensure payments laws are up-to-date and reflect today’s digital economy. The new laws will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly enhancing protections for customers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more
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