7 September 2017
Statement from Anna Bligh, Chief Executive, Australian Bankers’ Association
“The Australian Bankers’ Association welcomes the decision of the Western Australian Government to prioritise jobs and growth over short-term economic thinking in ruling out a new tax on banks in today’s Budget.
“Despite inheriting significant fiscal challenges and the lowest GST allocation in Australia, the McGowan Government has demonstrated laudable economic discipline and foresight.
“It is clear the WA Government understands it must remain an attractive and competitive place to do business.
“The ABA urges the WA Government to maintain sound economic policy and not put the bank tax back on the agenda.
“South Australia should follow this example and walk away from its proposed bank tax before it causes damage to the SA economy.”
ENDS
Contact: Stephanie Arena 0477 470 677
Latest news
Thank you, Chair, and thank you to the Committee for the opportunity to appear today. Australia’s banks are not approaching artificial intelligence as a distant prospect. It is already at work in our industry, every hour of every day. It is checking payments in real time, answering customer questions at two in the morning, helping… Read more »
E&OEDoorstop9 News8 October 2026 Topics: Credit card surcharging ban Journalist: The Greens say that to solve this issue, the banks should be paying the credit card surcharge. What’s your response to that? Simon Birmingham: Having a safe, modern, secure payment system does come with huge costs, but banks are already cutting payment fees by around… Read more »
E&OERadio InterviewInterview ABC Adelaide8 October 2026 Topics: Regional banking Nikolai Beilharz: We know bank branches have been closing down, especially in regional areas of South Australia and Australia more broadly, including a number of places that have no local banking representation anymore. Well, a new plan has been put forward by the Australian Banking Association… Read more »