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

Media release, 15 July 1998

BANK INQUIRY TO SEE USE OF SMART CARD BY ABORIGINAL COMMUNITY

The House of Representatives Financial Institutions Committee will be visiting One Arm Point, Fitzroy Crossing and Wyndham to meet with local communities on Wednesday 15 July as part of its wide ranging inquiry into alternative banking for regional Australia.

The Chairman of the Committee, David Hawker MP, said, "We will be talking to a number of Shire Councils in the region. Local governments are at the coalface of this issue and are often the driving force behind efforts to maintain financial services in their communities. East Kimberley/Wyndham Shire has responded to the closure of its bank by becoming an agent for that bank. We are interested in exploring this alternative and other ideas Shire Councils may have on this issue."

"We are also interested in visiting the Bardi Community at One Arm Point to investigate an innovative proposal put forward by the Community. The Bardi Aborigines Association is currently developing a system within the community utilising smart card technology. We are very interested in seeing their progress and its potential for wider use."

"These visits will enable the Committee to hear the views of the communities directly. We value community comments and suggestions. This helps build a complete picture of the situation in regional and remote areas."

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
9 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

Details of Program and Committee membership attached

PUBLIC MEETINGS PROGRAM
ONE ARM POINT, FITZROY CROSSING, WYNDHAM
15 July 1998

ONE ARM POINT

9.00 - 11.30am Round table discussion with representatives from the Bardi Community and other communities on the Dampier Peninsular.

FITZROY CROSSING

1.50 pm Round table discussion with representatives from the Shire of Derby/West Kimberly and the Shire of Halls Creek.

WYNDHAM

5.00 - 6.00pm Meeting with Shire of East Kimberley/Wyndham.

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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