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
Media Releases
Independent review of Banking Code kicks-off
4 September 2026

The ABA has today announced that former ASIC Deputy Chair Peter Kell will undertake the five yearly independent review of the Banking Code of Practice, the rule book that sets standards of service for customers. The Code sets out consumer protections and safeguards that are in addition to the law for individuals, small business customers… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome designation of Armaguard within Cash Distribution Framework
3 September 2026

ABA welcomes today’s move by the Reserve Bank of Australia to designate Armaguard under the recently legislated Cash Distribution Framework Act. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said this was an important step in providing ongoing stability to the distribution and availability of cash across the economy. “The Cash Distribution Framework is an important piece of regulatory… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on ABC Sunshine Coast with Tim Wong-See
3 September 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Sunshine Coast3 September 2026. Topics: Upcoming card surcharge ban Tim Wong-See: Now, from the start of next month, credit card surcharge fees are being abolished following a recommendation from the Reserve Bank of Australia. So, all those extra charges that annoy a lot of you when it comes to tap and pay will… Read more »

Read more