Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Economic stimulus package will help keep economy strong

12 March 2020

Today’s announcement by the Federal Government for a $17.6 billion stimulus package will help keep Australia strong as the impacts of COVID-19 are beginning to be felt across the country.  

CEO of the Australian Banking Association Anna Bligh said Australia’s banks were well prepared for the challenges presented by the outbreak of COVID-19 and were ready to play their part in the response.  

“This economic stimulus package will be a welcome shot in the arm for businesses and individuals,” Ms Bligh said.  

“We continue to stress, any business or individual financially impacted by COVID-19 should contact their bank who, on a case by case basis, can provide a wide range of assistance.”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

“Australia’s banks are strong, stable and open for business, including for any company wanting to take advantage of initiatives in the Government’s stimulus package such as the increase to the threshold of the instant asset write off from $30,000 to $150,000.  

“We continue to stress, any business or individual financially impacted by COVID-19 should contact their bank who, on a case by case basis, can provide a wide range of assistance,” she said.  

The type of assistance offered will depend on individual circumstances, but can include:   

  • A deferral of scheduled loan repayments 
  • Waiving fees and charges   
  • Interest free periods or no interest rate increases   
  • Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable.      

ENDS 

Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007 

See how banks can help

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Former ASIC Commissioner Sean Hughes appointed Chair of the Banking Code Compliance Committee
16 January 2026

In conjunction with the Australian Financial Complaints Authority (AFCA), the ABA is pleased to announce the appointment of former ASIC Commissioner Mr Sean Hughes as the next Chair of the Banking Code Compliance Committee (BCCC).   Mr Hughes served as a Commissioner at ASIC from 2018 to 2023 and brings deep expertise in financial services… Read more »

Read more
Op-Ed
Op-Ed: Your super is footing the bill for someone else’s gamble
15 January 2026

The CSLR was intended to give basic protection to mum and dad-type investors. It should not be a collectively funded vehicle for removing investment risk from society.

Read more
Media Releases
Banks offer support to customers impacted by the Victorian bushfires
12 January 2026

Australian banks are rolling out disaster support to customers affected by the current bushfires in Victoria. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks were continuing to monitor the evolving situation across Victoria and are on standby to assist impacted customers. “This is an extremely challenging time for many Victorian communities, households and businesses,” Mr Birmingham said.   “There are now special arrangements in place for those who may need additional financial assistance from their bank in the coming days, weeks and months.  “Banks have highly… Read more »

Read more