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The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is the information source for the news media on the Australian banking industry, providing information, analysis and context on industry issues.

The ABA plays an active role in the public dialogue on banking and financial services, providing commentary on broader industry issues and facilitating access to other sources of information.

For media inquiries contact [email protected] or 0475 741 007.


Media Releases
Banks act to keep cash convenient  
6 December 2023

Today the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) has authorised the main users of cash including banks, retailer providers and Australia Post to undertake industry discussions ensuring cash remains readily available to all Australians.   Customers’ usage of cash has plunged from 70% in 2007 to 13% in 2022. The cash spiral is showing no signs… Read more »

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Media Releases
A nationwide Digital ID is Australia’s first line of defence against cybercrime
1 December 2023

“The Australian Banking Association applauds action from the Government to legislate a voluntary Digital ID as the nation’s first line of defence against cybercrime,” ABA CEO Anna Bligh said. A Digital ID means Australian companies won’t need to store copies of your personal information, reducing the risk of data theft. It also means people can… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interviewed by 6PR about the Scam-Safe Accord and the future of banking 
30 November 2023

Oliver Peterson: Joining me in the studios today is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, Anna Bligh. It’s lovely to meet you.  Anna Bligh: Great to be here, Oliver.  Oliver Peterson: What brings you to Perth?  Anna Bligh: Well, I’ve got a few things to do with work here, and I was very keen… Read more »

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Transcript
Press conference: Scam-Safe Accord launch 
24 November 2023

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh:   Today Australia’s banking system is coming together to launch the most comprehensive set of new anti-scam reforms.   With a level of unprecedented cooperation, banks, commercial banks, building societies, credit unions, and mutual banks have joined together to commit to a set of anti-scam reforms to keep Australians and their… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks unite to declare war on scammers  
24 November 2023

Australian banks have joined forces to launch a new Scam-Safe Accord to deliver a higher standard of protection for customers and put scammers out of business in Australia.   This Accord, between Australia’s community owned banks, building societies, credit unions and commercial banks is a comprehensive set of anti-scam measures across the entire industry.  “This Scam-Safe… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks step up to fund financial counselling services  
21 November 2023

Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.   “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.   This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood about the launch of ABA’s new financial hardship campaign  
30 October 2023

Ross Greenwood: Well, one industry that does have an effective ombudsman scheme is banking, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but as rates rise and pressure on households and businesses, managing customers and their debts is again back on the bank’s radar. Today, the Australian Banking Association launched a campaign called ‘Don’t tough it out on… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks launch campaign telling Australians “Don’t tough it out on your own”  
30 October 2023

Today the Australian Banking Association has launched a campaign encouraging Australians struggling with loan repayments to contact their bank, titled ‘Don’t tough it out on your own.’  “Banks know many of their customers are making difficult financial decisions right now as the country navigates challenging economic conditions,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.  “Banks stood by… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks shine a light on NSW small business month 
25 October 2023

As the NSW Government marks Small Business Month, the banking sector joins in celebrating the unwavering spirit and contributions of small businesses across the state. This initiative by the NSW Government is dedicated to recognising the pivotal role these enterprises play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enriching our communities. 

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Media Releases
Banks supporting the agriculture sector to sow the seeds of success 
24 October 2023

Banks have reaffirmed their commitment to Australia’s agriculture sector as it faces into an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape. 

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Media Releases
Crypto regulation a step in the right direction in the fight against scams    
16 October 2023

The ABA supports the Federal Government’s resolute action to regulate crypto exchanges, saying it is a “very welcome step in the fight against scams”. 

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to ABC Radio about how consumers are changing the way they pay and the gradual phase-out of cheques
12 October 2023

Mel Rush: What does it mean if you’ve got uncashed cheques in your wallet? Will they continue to be honored over time? Anna Bligh is CEO of the Australian Banking Association. Anna Bligh good morning.  Anna Bligh: Good morning. How are you?  Mel Rush: Very well, thanks, Anna. Look, this latest news is a little… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interviewed by ABC RN’s Hamish McDonald on branches and changing customer trends
21 September 2023

Hamish MacDonald: A Senate inquiry is examining a wave of bank closures that have hit regional Australia particularly hard. More than 1600 bank branches have closed nationally in the past six years, including 309 in the last financial year. Like post offices and milk bars, bank branches form part of the architecture of regional communities… Read more »

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ABA News
Online gambling credit card ban one step closer 
14 September 2023

New laws banning the use of credit cards for online gambling are one step closer with the introduction of the Federal Government’s Interactive Gambling Act 2001 Bill to Parliament.  The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed this milestone saying the new laws will make it illegal for an online gambling company to accept a credit… Read more »

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ABA News
New identity verification safeguards a step in the right direction  
14 September 2023

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the introduction of new legislation to boost the security of identity verification services.

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Media Releases
Banks raise the bar in new Banking Code    
6 September 2023

In a major step to strengthen customer protections and maintain trust in the banking sector, the Australian Banking Assocation (ABA) has submitted a proposed new Banking Code to ASIC for industry consultation. 

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Media Releases
Banks back small business  
28 August 2023

Research released by the ABA today shows total credit outstanding to SMEs at the end of last financial year had reached $588 billion – a 28% increase from the year prior.

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Media Releases
Important step to help stamp out scams
17 July 2023

Australians are under attack from scams, part of a worsening global scams scourge, and all sectors need to ramp up the fight against these criminals, including government, law enforcement, banks, telcos, social media and crypto platforms and individuals. 

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Media Releases
Statement regarding new Reserve Bank of Australia Governor
14 July 2023

The ABA welcomes the appointment of Michele Bullock as the new Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) Governor. 

The ABA acknowledges RBA Governor Phillip Lowe’s strong leadership of the central bank during one of Australia’s most turbulent periods, the COVID-19 pandemic.

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Media Releases
ABA welcomes launch of Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre | First fusion cell to tackle investment scams 
3 July 2023

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) has welcomed the launch of the Federal Government’s National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC), a key government and regulator initiative to help fight the scams scourge. 

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