Gippsland › Latest news › Darren Chester MP
Westpac deciding to keep Sale branch is win for community and shows pressure works to keep rural and regional banking services local
While Westpac's decision to retain the Sale branch is a win, innovative solutions are still needed for rural and regional customers. The Senate inquiry is exploring options for service delivery guarantees and additional regulations.
I certainly welcome the decision by Westpac to retain the Sale branch which is a win for community pressure. Much more is required but hopefully this means the major banks are going to start listening to customers in rural and regional areas and developing solutions which work for them. It's lazy to just shut branches in Gippsland when more innovative solutions are available which would mean the customers who need face-to-face banking services are treated with respect.
The Senate inquiry aims to ensure a minimum level of bank services; failing cooperation, licenses and regulations could be amended
Demanding fair banking
We need to keep building pressure on the banks and the current Senate inquiry, which held a public hearing in Sale, has heard that 'all options should be on the table' to guarantee a minimum level of service delivery to banking customers.
The senate inquiry is a chance to explore innovative solutions to maintain face-to-face services which are critical for small business owners and a wide range of customers who aren't capable of using online banking, or simply need some personal assistance at a branch to access their own money. If the banks refuse to play fair with their customers, I'm happy to explore options to add extra conditions on their licences and more regulations to the outcome Australians want.
The ongoing record profits of the major banks is proof they can afford to offer a better service but the executives in big cities haven't bothered to care about regional customers. We still have Bendigo Bank planning to close several agencies which is completely contradictory to their claims to care for regional Australia. We don't need platitudes and corporate vision statements, we need branches and agencies to stay open.
Pictures from The Middle of Everywhere website.
Source: http://gippsland.com/
Published by: news@gippsland.com
Tim Bull slams government over firewood shortages, fuel loads and lack of practical solutions
Wellington Shire Council offers free green waste disposal to help residents reduce fire hazards this season
Bass Coast Council launches mid-term review of Climate Change Action Plan, celebrating achievements and inviting community input
Bass Coast Shire Council delivers new shared path linking Cowes and Ventnor, boosting transport safety and community connectivity
East Gippsland Council to consider proposed changes to Raymond Island Ferry pass system at September meeting
Have Your Say on Wonthaggi structure plan review aiming to guide growth, community needs and opportunities
South Gippsland Shire Council invites the community to join the Garage Sale Trail on November and other projects
Baw Baw Shire Council secures funding for four key road safety projects through TAC and federal Blackspot Programs
Darren Chester delivers $3000 grant to Rosedale Historical Society for eco-friendly heating upgrade and safety improvements
