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The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is the information source for the news media on the Australian banking industry, providing information, analysis and context on industry issues.

The ABA plays an active role in the public dialogue on banking and financial services, providing commentary on broader industry issues and facilitating access to other sources of information.

For media inquiries contact [email protected] or 0475 741 007.


Media Releases
Banks here to support cyclone affected areas
6 March 2025

Banks are on standby to assist customers across Queensland and Northern NSW who might be impacted by Tropical Cyclone Alfred in the coming days. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks are closely monitoring the developing situation along the east coast and are putting in place arrangements to support customers in affected areas. “This is a… Read more »

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Transcript
ABA CEO Anna Bligh on new Banking Code of Practice: transcript of interview on ABC RN Breakfast with Sally Sara
28 February 2025

Sally Sara (Host): Australian banks will today come under a new code of practice that aims to strengthen protections for customers who are suffering financial hardship and small businesses as well. The new code, which comes into effect today, is the culmination of a long running review and has been drafted after extensive consultation with… Read more »

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Banks stand ready to support North Queensland communities affected by floods
4 February 2025

The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is urging customers in North Queensland affected by the floods to get in touch with their bank if they are in need of financial relief. ABA CEO Anna Bligh said banks are on standby to assist households and businesses who have been impacted by these severe floods. “My message to… Read more »

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Transcript
Interview with ABC SA Country Hour on banks’ support for farmers impacted by drought
26 November 2024

Cassandra Hough (Host): Now staying with the drought, and off the back of all this drought concerns and frost events, there are a lot of producers facing financial distress, and as we heard on the program yesterday, they’ve been asking for banks to be flexible and provide some tailored support for farmers going forward. But what… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks back Aussie farmers with record lending
15 November 2024

Australian banks continue to back growth and innovation across the farming sector with agribusiness lending now at record levels, exceeding $131 billion for the first time. The Australian Banking Association is highlighting the banking sector’s ongoing support for Aussie farmers this National Agriculture Day. Lending to agribusinesses has skyrocketed over the last year, rising 9.4 per cent in… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks stand ready to support Far West NSW communities impacted by recent storms 
1 November 2024

Banks stand ready to support Far West NSW communities hit by recent storms and ongoing power outages.   ABA CEO Anna Bligh acknowledged that many households and businesses in the Far West were still feeling the effect of this severe weather event.   “My message to customers in these communities, is please reach out to your bank… Read more »

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Media Releases
Joint Statement: Agreement reached with Armaguard
24 June 2024

The ABA, major banks and major retailers have reached an agreement with Armaguard for its Cash-in-Transit business.  

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Media Releases
Older Australians reminded to stay financially safe this World Elder Abuse Awareness Day
15 June 2024

With it being World Elder Abuse Awareness Day, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) is reminding older Australians about how they can better protect themselves from scams, fraud and financial abuse.

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Transcript
Anna Bligh interview on ABC Radio National Breakfast speaking about the banks’ response to the Federal Budget 
17 May 2024

16 May 2024 Patricia Karvelas    Before Tuesday’s federal budget, the big four banks were predicting interest rates to start falling before the end of the year. But in response to what they say is expansionary spending, including tax cuts and billions for renewable energy infrastructure, some economists are changing their tune. Treasurer Jim Chalmers has… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh Interview Sky News, discussing financial hardship and what banks can do to help
22 April 2024

Tom Connell  Those people with a home loan who have had a fixed rate are getting a shock as they come off that fixed rate. Often as low as two percent and onto the new variable rate that can be as high as six or even seven percent. So how is that affecting people out… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks remind customers, ‘don’t tough it out on your own’
22 April 2024

​Australians facing difficult financial decisions are being reminded to get in touch with their bank and get the support they need to keep repayments on track.   The Australian Banking Association (ABA) is extending its ‘don’t tough it out on your own’ campaign which was launched last year, with a further round of advertisements to run… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh Interview with ABC Radio Brisbane, discussing future of cash and Digital ID
3 April 2024

Steve Austin  Well as you know, the Commonwealth Government has made it clear they consider access to cash a priority for the Australian economy and the country’s largest banks, as well as Coles, Woolworths, companies like Wesfarmers and Australia Post have been trying to put together a short term lifeline for Armaguard, who’s the company… Read more »

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Don’t fall for a fake cupid this Valentine’s Day  
13 February 2024

Love is in the air, but so are scammers looking to exploit the season of hearts and flowers.   As Valentine’s Day approaches, the Australian Banking Association (ABA) urges everyone to be extra cautious and scam-proof their heart from romance scams and other fraudulent schemes.  “Scammers play the part and prey on people’s emotions,” ABA CEO… Read more »

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Banks hardship teams on standby to help cyclone-impacted communities in Queensland 
31 January 2024

Banks have dedicated hardship teams on standby to help those impacted by Tropical Cyclone Kirrily and the Australian Banking Association has urged those in need of financial assistance to reach out.  “With the second major cyclone in as many months followed by torrential rain, people in Queensland have been dealt yet another serious blow. I… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks stand ready to support cyclone-impacted communities in Far North Queensland 
18 December 2023

Today the Australian Banking Association has told Queenslanders impacted by major flooding as a result of cyclone Jasper that banks have teams on standby to help those in need.  “The ABA urges anyone in need of financial assistance to reach out to their bank, and to do so as early as possible. Dedicated hardship teams… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks step up to fund financial counselling services  
21 November 2023

Banks will contribute $19 million over three years to the Government’s voluntary financial counselling model announced today by Minister for Social Services, Amanda Rishworth.   “Banks large and small are proud to be funding the lions share of this initiative.” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.   This funding will help increase the availability of free, independent counselling… Read more »

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Transcript
Anna Bligh speaks to Sky News Business Editor Ross Greenwood about the launch of ABA’s new financial hardship campaign  
30 October 2023

Ross Greenwood: Well, one industry that does have an effective ombudsman scheme is banking, the Australian Financial Complaints Authority, but as rates rise and pressure on households and businesses, managing customers and their debts is again back on the bank’s radar. Today, the Australian Banking Association launched a campaign called ‘Don’t tough it out on… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks launch campaign telling Australians “Don’t tough it out on your own”  
30 October 2023

Today the Australian Banking Association has launched a campaign encouraging Australians struggling with loan repayments to contact their bank, titled ‘Don’t tough it out on your own.’  “Banks know many of their customers are making difficult financial decisions right now as the country navigates challenging economic conditions,” said ABA CEO Anna Bligh.  “Banks stood by… Read more »

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Media Releases
Banks shine a light on NSW small business month 
25 October 2023

As the NSW Government marks Small Business Month, the banking sector joins in celebrating the unwavering spirit and contributions of small businesses across the state. This initiative by the NSW Government is dedicated to recognising the pivotal role these enterprises play in driving economic growth, creating jobs, fostering innovation, and enriching our communities. 

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Media Releases
Banks supporting the agriculture sector to sow the seeds of success 
24 October 2023

Banks have reaffirmed their commitment to Australia’s agriculture sector as it faces into an increasingly unpredictable economic landscape. 

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