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 welcome more progress to modernise payments system rules
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9 October 2025
The ABA welcomes today’s release of the exposure draft legislation to modernise the regulation of payment service providers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the proposed reforms represent another important step towards ensuring Australia’s payments system remains safe, secure and fit-for-purpose. “Australians now have access to a range of payment options and no matter how they… Read more »
Media Releases
Finalisation of independent pricing model report to support cash distribution
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3 October 2025
Deloitte Access Economics has now determined its recommended regulated pricing model for Armaguard’s Cash-in-Transit services. The final independent pricing mechanism report has been provided to Armaguard as well as the major banks and major retailers. This is an important milestone in working to keep cash available around Australia, even while people are using less of… Read more »
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on ABC RN Breakfast with Sally Sara
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24 September 2025
E&OERadio InterviewABC RN Breakfast with Sally SaraWednesday, 24 September 2025. Sally Sara (Host): Reserve Bank Governor Michelle Bullock has hit out at Australia’s big four banks for standing in the way of making shopping cheaper for customers. The RBA wants to ban surcharges on card payments. To fund the ban, it wants to dramatically cut… Read more »