Skip to main content
Financial Assistance Hub

WA rejects bank tax

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

@austbankers

bankers.asn.au

Latest news

1 / 3
Transcript
ABA CEO Simon Birmingham interview with ABC Radio National’s Sally Sara on jobs in banking
21 October 2026

E&OERadio InterviewABC Radio National with Sally Sara21 October 2026. Topics: Jobs in banking Sally Sara: First, NAB is the latest major bank to announce a significant restructure of its workforce, with plans to cut up to 2,500 jobs. NAB says most of the jobs will go by the end of the year, citing economic challenging… Read more »

Read more
Media Releases
Banks welcome calls for regulation that backs growth
21 October 2026

Banks have welcomed Shadow Treasurer Tim Wilson’s call today for the Australian Prudential Regulation Authority (APRA) and the Australian Securities and Investments Commission (ASIC) to give more weight to economic growth in their decision making. ABA CEO Simon Birmingham said regulation that supports growth is key to lifting productivity across the economy. “Banks want to… Read more »

Read more
Transcript
ABA CEO interview with ABC Afternoon Briefing’s Patricia Karvelas on the Australia-EU free trade deal
20 October 2026

E&OETV InterviewInterview ABC Afternoon Briefing19 October 2026 Topics: Australia-EU free trade deal, investment benefits Patricia Karvelas: Simon Birmingham is the CEO of the Australian Banking Association, but he’s a former finance minister in a previous coalition government. And our guest, welcome to the program. Simon Birmingham: Hi, Patricia. Good to be with you again. Patricia… Read more »

Read more