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
Banks urge passage of Cash Distribution legislation 
12 August 2026

The ABA urges the final passage of the Cash Distribution Framework Bill 2026 and accompanying legislation through the Senate this fortnight.  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the legislation was a critical safety net to protect the long-term availability of cash for Australians who still rely on it.  “Cash remains an important payment option for many Australians,… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview with 2SM’s Tim Webster on Census scams
12 August 2026

E&OERadio Interview2SM Sydney12 August 2026 Topics: Census scams Tim Webster: And Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, and he’s jumped on the line for us. G’day, thanks for your time. Simon Birmingham: Good morning, Tim. Good to be with you. Tim Webster: Yeah, I did mention it to the listeners yesterday,… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks urge Aussies to stay Census safe as scammers look to cash in
10 August 2026

Australian banks are warning households to be on the look-out for Census related scams as criminals look to get their hands on personal and financial information.  Key tips for staying Census safe:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said banks were on high alert for scams as criminals look to cash in on this week’s Census. “The… Read more »

Read more