12 January 2016
Sydney, 12 January 2016: A range of assistance packages are available from banks to help communities affected by the bushfires in Western Australia, the Australian Bankers’ Association said today.
ABA Chief Executive Steven Münchenberg said: “Individual banks have announced assistance packages to help ease some of the burden faced by people who have lost homes and been impacted by the bushfires.
“If your household or business has been affected, contact your bank as soon as possible to find out what type of assistance is on offer,” he said.
The support offered to customers will depend on individual circumstances and needs, but may include:
- Suspending home loan or credit card repayments
- Waiving charges associated with withdrawing term deposits early
- Emergency accommodation assistance, and
- Waiving fees related to restructuring business loans.
ENDS
Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677 or Nic Frankham 0435 963 913
Latest news
Jim Chalmers: Thanks for joining us. I’m here with the Small Business Minister, Anne Aly, Bran Black, the head of the BCA, Skye Cappuccio from COSBOA, Simon Birmingham, from the ABA as well. We’ve got a bit to run through today to give you a sense of the work that we are doing together. But… Read more »
E&OETV InterviewSky News Afternoon Agenda1 April 2026. Topics: hardship support from banks; RBA decision on surcharging and interchange. Laura Jayes: I want to bring it back to the situation we find ourselves in economically now. A lot of you are hurting. Petrol prices are pushing up really the cost of everything. Joining me now is… Read more »
Australian banks are stepping up to help customers struggling with loan repayments and higher cost of living challenges. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks stand ready with practical support measures to help customers and businesses get through this tough time. “Banks know many of their customers are making tough financial decisions right now as… Read more »