State Member for Wallsend, Ms Sonia Hornery MP, will this week ask the Treasurer to meet with banks and building societies and urge them to put loyal customers ahead of profits.
In the past few months, a number of banks and building societies have announced the closure of local branches, making it more difficult for customers to access services from their financial institutions.
The big four banks made billions of dollars in profits but continue to put customers last by closing branches in suburbs that need them the most.
Quotes attributable to Member for Wallsend, Sonia Hornery
“There is very limited and indirect public transport in the Wallsend electorate which makes it difficult for local residents to get to the services they require.”
“Last week the National Australia Bank at Jesmond Shopping Centre announced it would be shutting its doors in July. The nearest NAB branch will now be Hamilton or Glendale.”
“The Newcastle Permanent has closed its Lambton Branch and will soon close their branch at the John Hunter Hospital. The Greater Bank has also closed their Lambton Branch which leaves many elderly and disabled customers stranded without access to a local service.”
“With limited transport options, customers are being forced to either rely on friends and family or go through the dramas of changing financial institutions.”
“These banks and building societies need to understand that not everyone is able to or willing to use online services.”
“These institutions love to spruik their credentials as being local and friendly but don’t back it up when they close local branches and advise customers to stay loyal and just get online.”
“I am asking the Treasurer to meet with the financial institutions and urge them to put loyal customers ahead of profits.”