Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

Support available for customers affected by Tropical Cyclone Seroja

15 April 2021

Australian banks are ready to help customers in Western Australia who are rebuilding after the destruction inflicted by Tropical Cyclone Seroja.

Communities in WA’s mid-west were devastated by the cyclone last week, when it crossed the coast near the town of Kalbarri.

Geraldton, Northampton, Binnu, Chapman Valley, Mingenew and a number of other towns were also severely affected.

Australian Banking Association CEO Anna Bligh says banks have a range of measures in place.

“The destructive force of this cyclone has left many bank customers picking up the pieces. They can be assured that their bank is ready to help rebuild”, Ms Bligh said.

“It’s important for people hit by this cyclone to get in touch with their bank. Banks have a range of measures in place to get customers back on their feet.”

“It’s important for people hit by this cyclone to get in touch with their bank. Banks have a range of measures in place to get customers back on their feet.”

ABA CEO Anna Bligh

Help available for farmers and small businesses

ABA member banks offer a range of services to help farmers and small businesses affected by natural disasters. These can include:  

  • A deferral of scheduled loan repayments  
  • Waiving fees and charges, including break costs on early access to term deposits  
  • Debt consolidation to help make repayments more manageable  
  • Restructuring existing loans free of the usual establishment fees  
  • Deferring interest payments on a case-by-case basis  
  • Offering additional finance to help cover cash flow shortages  
  • Deferring upcoming credit card payments  
  • Increasing emergency credit card limits. 

Get help now. Don’t tough it out on your own.

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham transcript of interview on Sky News Business with Ross Greenwood
18 September 2025

E&OETV InterviewSky News Business with Ross GreenwoodWednesday, 17 September 2025 Topics: Banning of card surcharging; Interchange fees Ross Greenwood (Host): Simon Birmingham recently was appointed Chief Executive of the Australian Banking Association and he joins me now. Simon, good to chat. You’ve been in this studio many, many times before of course, so just good… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Australian banks support card surcharging ban, urge alternative on interchange fees
9 September 2025

Australian banks strongly support the RBA’s proposed ban on debit and credit card surcharges, while overwhelmingly calling for an alternative pathway forward on interchange fees.  The ABA has made the following calls in a submission to the RBA’s current consultation on the Review of Merchant Card Payment Costs and Surcharging:  ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
New payments system rules welcomed by banks
4 September 2025

Australia’s banks welcome the passing through the Senate of new legislation to ensure payments laws are up-to-date and reflect today’s digital economy. The new laws will bring digital wallets, cash distribution services, buy now, pay later schemes and other emerging payment methods within regulatory oversight, significantly enhancing protections for customers. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said… Read more »

Read more