Financial Assistance Hub: find out more
7 June 2021
Australian banks are ready to assist their customers affected by the extended lockdown in Victoria.
A number of support measures are available and banks are urging customers in hardship to get in touch.
“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.”
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
“Banks were in a strong position to help millions of customers through 2020. They stand ready to continue that support now, as Victoria grapples with the virus again”, Ms Bligh said.
Bank branches remain open as an essential service during the Victorian lockdown.
Latest news
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview on News24 with Laura Jayes
Read more
1 October 2026
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 »
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview on FiveAA Adelaide with Stacey Lee and Jonno Edwards
Read more
1 October 2026
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 »
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview on ABC Adelaide with Sonya Feldhoff and Spence Denny
Read more
1 October 2026
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 »