Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Budget 2020 charts the road to recovery

6 October 2020

This year’s federal budget will help Australia recover from the economic impact of COVID‑19 and create jobs as the nation recovers.


The Australian Banking Association has welcomed the strong focus on support for small and medium businesses and direct assistance to families.

“Australian banks stand ready to continue their role helping millions of Australians through 2020”, said Australian Banking Association Chief Executive Anna Bligh.

“This budget is a key milestone as we shift from emergency to recovery, from triage to rehabilitation.”

Australia’s banks are assisting hundreds of thousands of families and small businesses, through the deferral of loan repayments.

Australian banks stand ready to continue their role helping millions of Australians through 2020.

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

“Government support for small business is vital. Allowing businesses to fully expense investments will provide a much-needed shot in the arm.”

“This budget has the right focus on creating jobs and will help chart Australia’s road to recovery”, Ms Bligh said.

The Australian Banking Association will continue to partner with government in the interest of all Australians.


COVID suport: phase two


A new digital economy

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
APRA capital reforms a potential boost to the economy
29 June 2026

The ABA welcomes today’s consultation paper from APRA on proposed changes to bank credit risk capital settings, which have the potential to support more lending and lift productivity. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the consultation was a welcome step towards a more efficient capital framework while still retaining the underlying strength and stability of Australia’s… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on Sky News with Ross Greenwood
21 June 2026

E&OETV InterviewSky News Business Weekend with Ross Greenwood21 June 2026 Topics: Economic contribution of banks Ross Greenwood: Well Australia’s banks, love them or loathe them, they are a necessity. We need them strong to provide the security for lenders and depositors. We need them well-regulated to keep them from again putting profit ahead of their… Read more »

Read more
Speech
The value of banking: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham’s address to Banking 2026
17 June 2026

ABA CEO Simon Birmingham delivered the following introductory remarks ahead of a panel on the value of banking to the Australian economy, launching new Mandala research, at the 2026 ABA Banking Conference. Our piece of work that has been released today, Mandala providing the intellectual backdrop and analysis to support us in this, the essential… Read more »

Read more