Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Statement from ABA CEO Anna Bligh on the release of the Final Report of the Royal Commission

4 February 2019

The Australian banking industry acknowledges the rigour and diligence that Commissioner Hayne and his team have brought to this task.

The industry thanks all those customers who brought their personal experiences to the Commission – it is their courage underpinning this report.

This Commission has put the entire banking sector under the microscope. And this Final Report lays bare how banks have failed their customers and let down the Australian public.

Banks understand these failures have caused deep hurt, suffering and heartache for far too many customers and are sorry for the pain they have caused.

Banks accept full responsibility for these failings and know that they must now change to ensure this never happens again.

Banks are determined to learn the lessons, fix the problems and make it right.

Australians expect better from their banks and they deserve better.

This Report contains some very tough medicine for banks, including potential court cases.

The industry has already formed a Taskforce to begin the work that will be needed to get this job done.

This report is a roadmap for the industry to drive the change needed to earn back the trust of the Australian people.

This is an opportunity for banks to reset their relationship with customers and the public and they are determined not to miss it.

The industry understands that many people are cynical about whether banks will really change, but don’t judge us by our words, judge us by our actions.

ENDS
Contact: Rory Grant 0475 741 007

Latest news

1 / 3
Media Releases
Banks welcome much-needed CSLR reset
19 August 2026

The ABA welcomes the commitment today by the Assistant Treasurer and Financial Services Minister Daniel Mulino to make the Compensation Scheme of Last Resort (CSLR) more sustainable by reducing the losses and costs associated with it. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said changes to the CSLR must help contain losses that generate claims and place the… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Small business reaping benefits of stronger competition in lending market 
17 August 2026

Small businesses are benefiting from more favourable lending conditions thanks to stronger competition, as the full extent of banking support for these businesses is laid out in a new report released today by the Australian Banking Association.  The ABA’s latest industry report focusing on small and medium businesses finds:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said the… Read more »

Read more
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