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
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