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    Member for Mallee Anne Webster.

Bank probe wins Webster support

The launch of a national exploration into ways to address issues surrounding the closing of regional bank branches has won applause from Member for Mallee Anne Webster.

Dr Webster welcomed the start of Federal Government Regional Banking Taskforce public consultations.

She said she had many of her constituents express frustration and disappointment over bank branch closures in their towns.

“These closures, and in some cases reduced hours, are incredibly frustrating for locals, particularly those who are unable to use online services to conduct their banking,” she said.



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“The taskforce will bring together banks and other key stakeholders who will host regional round-table discussions to assess how bank branch closures have impacted businesses, industries and communities.”

Dr Webster encouraged people to contribute their thoughts about regional bank branch closures by making submissions to the taskforce.

She said insights from the submissions would help the taskforce better understand the impact of branch closures and how Australians were accessing banking services. They would also help improve banking services and accessibility where branches had closed.

Dr Webster said the taskforce would explore potential solutions for maintaining and improving banking services and accessibility with meetings scheduled for December and January. The consultation process will close on December 18.

The Wimmera has already played a major role in finding alternative banking opportunities for regional Australians.

The first Community Bank branches, designed to couple community projects with company profits and business and government support, opened in Rupanyup and Minyip in 1998 in a partnership between district families and Bendigo Bank and led by Rupanyup businessman David Matthews. The Community Bank network now has branches across Australia.

People can make submissions by email to regionalbanking@treasury.gov.au or by mail to Secretariat, Regional Banking Taskforce, Financial System Division, The Treasury, Langton Crescent, Parkes ACT 2600.

The entire December 8, 2021 edition of The Weekly Advertiser is available online. READ IT HERE!