Alternative means of providing banking and like services in regional Australia
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Media release, 21 April 1998

BANKING INQUIRY MOVES INTO WESTERN VICTORIA

The inquiry into the future of banking in regional Australia will come to Western Victoria next week.

The Federal Government inquiry is looking at alternative ways of providing banking services in remote and regional Australia.

Heading the inquiry committee is Member for Wannon, Mr David Hawker.

Mr Hawker said next week's public hearings in Western Victoria show the Committee's determination to speak to the people most affected by the closure of bank branches.

He said he also appreciated the opportunity to bring the Committee into parts of his own electorate that have been hit hard by bank closures.

Mr Hawker said, "It is forecast bank closures are here to stay."

"There will of course be some instances like Donald in the north of the State where a bank has been persuaded to reverse its decision to close a branch."

"In other places, this may not be the case so we have to investigate every alternative for the delivery of financial services in the bush."

Mr Hawker said, "Modern technologies offer a number of alternatives to the branch network including community banks, electronic banking and the internet. The Committee is concerned however that those people without access to this new technology still have access to basic transaction services."

"Financial services are an essential part of modern living and if we want them in regional and remote Australia we will all have to play our part."

"My Committee certainly does not underestimate the complexities involved," Mr Hawker said. "We know that a number of strategies will be required if we are to find solutions to branch closures. This is precisely why we are speaking to the people most affected."

"While the closure of a bank branch has a profound effect on a community, it can offer an opportunity for a community to pull together and embrace new alternatives. Bendigo Bank has already teamed up with Minyip and Rapanyup communities to establish community banks."

"Agencies through Australia Post and pharmacies are two other emerging opportunities," Mr Hawker said.

The banking Committee will be in Hamilton, Minyip and Warracknabeal on Wednesday April 29.

The Committee is holding informal meetings in addition to the public hearings in Hamilton and Warracknabeal. People interested in participating in the informal meetings should contact the Secretariat as soon as possible.

Further information can be obtained from the Inquiry Secretary, Jan Connaughton, on 02 6277 2375.

Release ends //21 April 1998

Further information:
David Hawker MP (Chairman) 03 - 5572 1141
Janet Connaughton (Inquiry Secretary) 02 - 6277 2375
e-mail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au

PROGRAM FOR VISIT TO WESTERN VICTORIA
Wednesday, 29 April 1998

Hamilton
Martin J Hynes Auditorium
5 Market Place

9.30am - 10.30am - INFORMAL MEETING

10.45am - 12.00nn - PUBLIC HEARING

• 10.45am - 11.25am Representatives from the communities of Koroit, Macarthur and Penshurst
• 11.25am - 12.00nn Representatives from the Municipalities of Moyne and Southern Grampians

1.20pm - 1.50pm - VISIT TO MINYIP

Warracknabeal
Yarriambiack Shire Offices
Lyle Street

2.10pm - 4.30pm - PUBLIC HEARING

• 2.15pm - 2.45pm Bendigo Bank
• 2.45pm - 3.15pm Donald 2000
• 3.15pm - 3.45pm Representatives from the Shires of Hindmarsh, Yarriambiack and Buloke
• 4.00pm - 4.30pm Representatives from local progress/development associations

4.30pm - 5.15pm - INFORMAL MEETING

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