Alternative means of providing banking and like services in regional Australia
Media Releases

Media release, 28 July 1998

BANKING INQUIRY TO INSPECT SHARED GOVERNMENT-CREDIT UNION OPERATION IN QUEENSLAND

The House of Representatives Financial Institutions Committee will be visiting Herberton on Tuesday 28 July. Telstra, the Queensland Government, the Electricity Credit Union and CreditCare will appear before the Committee at a public hearing, which will be followed by a site visit to inspect a new shared government-credit union facility. The visit is part of the Committee's wide-ranging inquiry into alternative banking for regional Australia.

The Chairman of the Committee, Mr David Hawker MP, said, "We are very interested in talking to Telstra. The issue of telephone and data connection is a very important one for rural people and plays a central role in the provision of alternative banking services. We are keen to learn how Telstra can contribute to ensuring rural people have continued access to banking services."

"The Committee will also be inspecting a shared Queensland Government/credit union facility which offers both government and financial services in a 'one-stop-shop'. The Queensland Government, through the Government Agents Program, and the Electricity Credit Union established the facility at the request of the local council. We want to see how the facility is working, the community reaction to the facility and the potential of applying this model in other communities."

"We are encouraged by this approach which is a good example of what can be achieved when government and financial institutions cooperate. There may be some lessons here for other parts of the country. It provides a possible cost-effective solution for other communities who are facing the withdrawal of banking services and shows that state and local government have an important role to play in ensuring rural communities have access to financial services."

Mr Hawker added, "The Committee has so far been very successful in raising the profile of this important issue. The recent seven-point proposal put to the Committee by the Australian Banker's Association is evidence that the banks are now aware of just how important bank services are to regional and remote Australia. We are committed to finding the best possible solutions for people in rural and remote areas. Visiting regional areas allows the Committee to explore as many alternatives as possible."

Release ends
27 July 1998

Further information:
David Hawker MP (Chairman) 02 - 6277 4837
Janet Connaughton (Inquiry Secretary) 02 - 6277 2375
e-mail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au

Public Hearing Program - Tuesday 28 July

Venue

The Board Room
The Old Court House
William Street
Herberton

11.00 - 12.00 nn Telstra

12.00 - 12.45 pm Mayor Anne Portess

1.45 - 2.45 pm Office of Rural Communities, Queensland Government
Electricity Credit Union
CreditCare
Housing Queensland
QGAP Herberton &Ravenshoe
Cairns Regional Office, Premier and Cabinet

2.45 - 3.45 pm Visit to the Electricity Credit Union

Secretariat contact details:

The Secretary
Standing Committee on Financial Institutions and Public Administration
R1.121
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 4587
Facsimile: (02) 6277 4557
Mobile: 0418 434 971
EMail: FIPA.Reps@aph.gov.

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