Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Government consultation on BEAR not good enough

22 September 2017

Statement from Anna Bligh, Australian Bankers’ Association Chief Executive:

“The seven day consultation period announced by the Federal Government on new banking executive accountability laws is grossly inadequate and playing fast and loose with a critical sector of the economy.

“The industry recognises that improving senior executive accountability is crucial for customers to have trust in banks.

“Banks want to work with the Federal Government to get this right, but just seven days to consult is not good enough.

“This is a significant piece of reform that impacts on the integrity of banks and the stability of the financial system and it needs thorough scrutiny.

“It’s an entirely new addition to the system of corporate governance in Australia. The Government’s timeframe risks serious unintended consequences.

“The ABA urges the Government to extend the consultation period and do the proper due diligence to ensure that the objective of improving senior executive accountability is met.”

ENDS

Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677

@austbankers

bankers.asn.au

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on FiveAA with Will Goodings and Stacey Lee
27 August 2026

E&OERadio InterviewFiveAA Adelaide with Will Goodings and Stacey Lee27 August 2026. Topics: How banks are fighting back against scams; Housing market Will Goodings: All right, let’s talk scams. The CEO of the Australian Banking Association is Simon Birmingham. Birmo, good morning to you. Simon Birmingham Good morning, Will, g’day, Stacy. Will Goodings: How big a… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on ABC Riverland with Matt Stephens
26 August 2026

E&OERadio InterviewInterview on ABC Radio Riverland26 August 2026 Topics: Small and medium business scams; Tips to avoid scams Matt Stephens: This is a stat for you: four in five small and medium businesses say they’ve had a scam attempt on their business in the past 12 months. Four in five. The Australian Banking Association has… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks urge small business to stay alert to the risk of scams
24 August 2026

Four in five small and medium businesses say they have been exposed to an attempted scam in the past year, according to new research commissioned by the Australian Banking Association. This Scams Awareness Week, banks are reminding small businesses across the country to take steps to scam proof their operations and protect themselves as well… Read more »

Read more