Standing Committee on Economics, Finance and Public
Administration
Media release, 24 June 1998
GOVERNMENT DEPARTMANTS AND AGENCIES ASSIST IN FINDING SOLUTIONS TO THE
PROVISION OF RURAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
Centrelink and the Department of Primary Industries and Energy (DPIE)
will appear before the House of Representatives Financial Institutions
Committee at a public hearing in Canberra on Thursday as part of its wide
ranging inquiry into alternative banking for regional Australia.
David Hawker MP, Chairman of the Committee said "Government Departments
and Agencies such as Centrelink and DPIE can play an important part in
supporting country communities on this issue."
"The Committee is interested in talking with Centrelink as they have
been exploring a number of ways to ensure the future provision of government
payments. These include stored value cards and on-line services."
"The Committee is very concerned about the potential negative impact
that forecast continued branch closures may have on those who receive
payments such as pensioners and the unemployed."
"The Department of Primasry Industries and Energy is also actively engaged
in this issue. It is involved with the highly successful CreditCare Program
and the Consultative Rural Finance Forum. It has also released a publication
to help farmers access and understand the internet. The Committee is interested
in drawing upon DPIE's experience with rural communities in oredr to find
appropriate and far-reaching solutions in providing banking services to
rural and remote Australia."
Mr Hawker added "The Committee has so far been very successful in raising
the profile of this important issue. We are committee to finding the best
possible solutions for people in rural and remote areas. We are most interested
in canvassing as many altenatives as possible. Talking with government
departments and agencies already working on this issue is another part
of this inquiry."
Release ends
24 June 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 HEARINGS PROGRAM - CANBERRA
24 June 1998
House of Representatives
Committee Room 2R2 Parliament House
CANBERRA
Back to top