COVID-19: banks are here to help.
14 October 2021
As essential services, Australia’s banks have focussed, throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, on keeping their staff and customers safe.
Safety measures have included:
- Maintaining social distancing in branches and workplaces
- Installing protective screens and supplying PPE to staff
- Facilitating work from home where possible
ABA member banks also recognise that vaccination is a critical measure to protect against COVID-19 and are actively encouraging and supporting their staff to get vaccinated, including with the provision of paid leave for staff to access vaccinations and, in some locations, undertaking employer vaccination and testing programs.
After further industry discussions, individual banks have considered their next steps and will be undertaking appropriate consultation with their staff on an entity by entity basis.
Latest news
Media Releases
Banks warn of dodgy websites and shonky sellers as Black Friday sales kick off
Read more
10 November 2026
Banks are warning shoppers to keep their guard up as they grab a bargain during the Black Friday sales period, after Australians reported losing more than $22 million to buying and selling scams across the past year. Common shopping scams to watch out for: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said scammers would be out in force… Read more »
Op-Ed
Government and business can help fight inflation by lifting productivity
Read more
6 November 2026
This op-ed was originally published in the Australian Financial Review More rates pain denotes an even greater focus on the fight against inflation. Rightly so. As the Reserve Bank pulls harder on the monetary policy lever to reduce aggregate demand, a proper focus also falls on the role of all governments to do likewise through… Read more »
Media Releases
Banking productivity measures to help boost competition and benefit customers
Read more
23 October 2026
Banks welcome Treasurer Jim Chalmers’ release today of draft regulations to lift the cap on covered bond issuance, a practical step that would help small and mid-tier banks access cheaper, more stable funding. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said these changes, including streamlined reporting for smaller banks, are a welcome part of the Government’s broader productivity… Read more »