PUBLIC submissions are open to examine the current extent of bank closures and reduced hours in regional Australia that have occurred across Kilmore, Wallan and Whittlesea.
The Parliament of Australia’s Senate Standing Committee on Rural and Regional Affairs and Transport are inviting residents to submit applications for the committee to look at the impact’s closures had on regional communities.
Nationals Member for Euroa Annabelle Cleeland is calling on locals to make a public submission given that branches have closed or reduced their hours across the region.
Last year National Australia Bank, NAB, Kilmore branch reduced its hours from 9.30am to 12.30pm. Branches in Wallan and Whittlesea reduced their hours in August 2020.
The closure of Whittlesea Westpac branch had an impact on residents in late 2022, with the reason of closure to a lack of customers requiring in-branch banking.
“Bendigo Bank is shutting its agency services in both Stanhope and Euroa, while Seymour ANZ will not re-open after the October floods,” Ms Cleeland said.
“Some of the most vulnerable members of our community rely on their services and their departure from our regional communities will leave a gaping hole in financial services.”
The inquiry into bank closures in regional Australia includes reference to the economic and welfare impacts and will investigate closures in regional Australia.
Ms Cleeland said she hoped the committee would report with strong recommendations and a pathway to help balance regional service with a modern financial system.
“So many people across our region aren’t set up for online banking for a range of reasons and branch closures have a massive impact on these people,” she said.
“While it is all well and good bemoaning the closures of branches across regional areas what we really need is solutions.”
Submissions close on April 28 with the final report due in December this year and must relate to the closure of branches not agencies.
To begin the submission process, visit .
