Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Budget gets balance right for continued recovery

11 May 2021

Australian banks welcome this recovery focussed Budget as they continue to help their customers bounce back from the pandemic.

The 2021/2022 Federal Budget contains a welcome mix of support and investment incentives to assist households and businesses across Australia.

“The extension of business tax incentives will power the economic recovery”, said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.

“Banks have registered a major uptick in lending for equipment purchases by businesses all over the country. Tonight’s extension of temporary full expensing and loss carry-back will keep that trend going.”

The budget also includes welcome measures to further assist first homebuyers and single parents to enter the property market.

“The extension of business tax incentives will power the economic recovery”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

The ABA also supports the Government’s continued investment in the Digital Economy Strategy, including an extra $111 million for the Consumer Data Right.

“It’s vital that this investment is backed up with legislation to modernise business communications, including through the permanent use of electronic signatures”, Ms Bligh said.

“This will improve the customer experience and streamline documentation processes. These reforms are long overdue and it’s time to expedite the planned reform.”

“Australian banks partnered with the Government throughout the pandemic. With this solid mix of investment and support for households and businesses, that collaboration is set to continue during the recovery, to the advantage of all Australians”, Ms Bligh said.


Data: banks bolster business through COVID

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham on the Savings Tip Jar podcast
20 February 2026

E&OEPodcast InterviewThe Savings Tip Jar18 February 2026. Topics: Mortgage refinancing, savings accounts. Dominic Beattie (Host): Welcome to this week’s Dollar Dialog, and today we’re talking refinancing, with new data dropping from the ABS last week, showing that a record 640,000 Australian mortgages were refinanced through 2025, which is up 20% on the previous year. So,… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
New data shows record number of Australians refinancing their home loan
11 February 2026

Over 640 000 homeowners refinanced their mortgage last year, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. New lending indicators data shows 640 137 mortgages were refinanced throughout 2025, a 20 per cent jump from the previous year as more borrowers than ever before renegotiated or switched their home loans. ABA… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham on Romance Scams: ABC Canberra interview transcript
9 February 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio Canberra9 February 2026. Topics: Romance scams; Scam Prevention Framework Emma Bickley (Host): You’re listening to afternoons on ABC Radio Canberra. I’m Emma Bickley, and my guest today is Simon Birmingham. He’s the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, and in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, they’re warning you that romance scams… Read more »

Read more