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
New data shows record number of Australians refinancing their home loan
Read more
11 February 2026
Over 640 000 homeowners refinanced their mortgage last year, according to new data released today by the Australian Bureau of Statistics. New lending indicators data shows 640 137 mortgages were refinanced throughout 2025, a 20 per cent jump from the previous year as more borrowers than ever before renegotiated or switched their home loans. ABA… Read more »
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham on Romance Scams: ABC Canberra interview transcript
Read more
9 February 2026
E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio Canberra9 February 2026. Topics: Romance scams; Scam Prevention Framework Emma Bickley (Host): You’re listening to afternoons on ABC Radio Canberra. I’m Emma Bickley, and my guest today is Simon Birmingham. He’s the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, and in the lead up to Valentine’s Day, they’re warning you that romance scams… Read more »
Media Releases
Fake love, real losses, banks warn of surge in AI romance scams ahead of Valentine’s Day
Read more
9 February 2026
With Valentine’s Day approaching, banks are warning people to be on high alert for romance scams as criminals increasingly deploy AI to steal more than just your heart. AI romance scam red flags: ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said further advances in AI were making it incredibly difficult for people to distinguish between a romance scam… Read more »