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
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
Media Releases
Fake love, real losses, banks warn of surge in AI romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day
9 February 2026

With Valentine’s Day approaching, banks are warning people to be on high alert for romance scams as criminals increasingly deploy AI to steal more than just your heart. AI romance scam red flags: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said further advances in AI were making it incredibly difficult for people to distinguish between a romance scam… Read more »

Read more