2001

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2001

Model Safety Net, Basic Bank Account

Principles Underpinning Model Safety Net, Basic Bank Account

NSW and ACT Bushfires: Banks Urge Customers to make Contact

Sydney, 27 December, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has urged customers to contact their bank as soon as possible if they are facing financial difficulties as a result of the fires in New South Wales and the ACT.

Reserve Bank Consultation Document on Credit Card Changes

Sydney, 14 December, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) said the Reserve Bank’s proposals will dramatically alter the credit card system in Australia, affecting credit card customers and merchants.

ABA Unconvinced of Methodology Used by ‘The Bank Account Survey

Sydney, 10 December, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) said the methodology used by firm Henderson Parker for ‘The Bank Account’ survey is unclear.

Dun & Bradstreet Media Release On Bankruptcy Is Misleading

Sydney, 5 December 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says a media statement released by Dun & Bradstreet is misleading.

Background on Disability Action Plan

Sydney, 30 November, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association and its members are working together with the community to improve accessibility of electronic banking services and are contributing to efforts to narrow the digital divide.

Banking Industrys Disability Action Plan Call for Public Consultation on Draft Industry Standards for Electronic Banking

Debt recovery: Banks can help with re-scheduling and use litigation only as a last resort

Sydney, 26 November, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association said banks only use litigation to pursue the recovery of funds owed when all other means have been exhausted.

Use Credit Wisely and Shop Safely this Festive Holiday Season

Sydney, 24 November, 2001: With just weeks to go before Christmas and the holiday season, the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is advising bank customers to make their credit card work for them and to take care when making holiday gift purchases using other forms of electronic payments.

Banking Ombudsmans Annual Report- Scheme Accessible and Efficient for Consumers

Sydney, 29 October, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) said the Australian Banking Industry Ombudsman’s (ABIO) Annual Report showed that the scheme was accessible and efficient for consumers.

Background on Reports from Leading Economists Raise Concerns about RBA/ACCC Joint Interchange Fee Study

The RBA/ACCC Joint Study into Interchange Fees and Card Schemes has been used to justify regulatory intervention in the current competitive arrangements for provision of credit card services. Despite the role of the Joint Study in justifying intervention, leading economists have raised concerns about its analysis and findings.

Australian Banks Say Get Ready for the Single European Currency – the Euro

Sydney, 20 August, 2001; Australian banks are preparing for the introduction of the euro which will be the currency used for all transactions in the 12 European Union countries which are soon replacing their national currencies.

Banking Industry Already Meets Most of ALP Banking Policy

Sydney, 17 October, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says the industry has already undertaken initiatives which meets the majority of the ideas contained in the ALP Banking Policy which was previously released in March.

Banks Already Helping Those Affected by Ansetts Troubles

Sydney, 11 October 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association says Senator Stephen Conroy should be aware that banks announced at the time of Ansett’s difficulties became known how they would be helping people who may be affected by the airline’s situation.

Credit Card Loyalty Schemes Very Popular and Provide Fair Value for Money or Better, ‘Choice Magazine Survey

Sydney, 9 October, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says the ‘Choice’ magazine survey confirms that credit card loyalty schemes are very popular and provide to consumers fair value for money.

Bank Customers to Reap Benefits of Self Regulation

Sydney, 8 October, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has welcomed Independent Reviewer Richard Viney’s final report on the Code of Banking Practice, saying the banks’ adoption will lead to responsible self regulation that will benefit Australian bank customers.

ABA Says Banks Already Meet Most of ALP Consumer Affairs Policy

Sydney, 3 October, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association says banks have already met most of the Australian Labor Party’s Consumer Affairs Policy which was today announced in Sydney.

Australian Bankers Association Supports Protection of Workers Entitlements

Sydney, 26 September, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) supports the protection of workers’ entitlements and sympathises with the position of employees facing loss of job and entitlements in any corporate insolvency.

Banking Industry Mourns the Loss of Mr Ed ONeal

Sydney, 17 September, 2001: The Australian banking industry is mourning the loss of a great banking leader and contributor - Mr Ed O’Neal, Deputy Chairman of the Australian Bankers’ Association and Chief Executive Officer and Managing Director of St George Bank Ltd.

Australian Banks Take All Steps to Ensure US Staff are Safe

Sydney, 12 September, 2001: The Australian Banking Industry joins world condemnation of the overnight terrorist attack on the United States of America and expresses deep sympathy for the innocent victims of the horrific acts.

Review of the Code of Banking Practice

Sydney, 3 September, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is keen to see any debate on banking based on the facts.

ABA Welcomes the March 2002 Commencement for Financial Services Reform Bill

Sydney, 30 August, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has welcomed the 11 March 2002 start date for the new Financial Services Reform (FSR) Bill.

ABA Calls for Banking Debate to be Based on the Facts

Sydney, 23 August, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) is keen to see any debate on banking based on the facts.

Expansion of Banking Services to Regional Australia

Sydney, 14 August, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) today welcomed Australia Post's roll-out of giroPost to a further 100 locations in regional Australia.

ABA disappointed that Superannuation Choice Legislation fails to pass in Senate

Sydney, 8 August, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) said the failure of the Superannuation Choice Legislation to pass through the Australian Senate is a lost opportunity for consumers.

Bank Fee Analysis Shows Net Gain

Sydney, 20 July, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) today rejected claims that bank fees were increasing at rates beyond growth in the industry, saying that increased competition in the sector was clearly delivering gains to customers, and yesterday's release of Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) data on bank fees and income confirmed this.

Australia has Amongst the Lowest Credit Card Interchange Fees in the World, says ABA Submission

Sydney, 3 July, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) has today lodged its submission to the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) for consideration in its inquiry into the possible regulation of credit card systems in Australia.

ABA Moves to Clear the Air on Direct Debit Arrangements with One.Tel

Sydney, 20 June, 2001: Sydney, June 20, 2001: The Australian Banker's Association (ABA) today moved to help customers who have direct debit arrangements with One.Tel and other suppliers understand what they can do to cancel those authorities.

UK Cruickshank Report is Wrong on Bank Fees

Sydney, 18 June, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association's Chief Executive David Bell says claims made by the UK Cruickshank report are wrong on the amount of bank fees paid by Australians and how Australia compares internationally with other banking sectors.

30-day Countdown until Bank Tax Abolished

Sydney, 31 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) says customers should be counting down the days until July 1 when there will be no more government taxes on deposits.

ABA Applauds NSW Move to Abolish BAD Tax

Sydney, 29 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) welcomed today's announcement by NSW State Treasurer, Michael Egan, that New South Wales intends to abolish state debits tax, also known as BAD tax.

David Murray Elected as New ABA Chairman

Melbourne, 23 May 2001:The Council of the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) today elected Mr David Murray, Managing Director Commonwealth Bank of Australia, as the new ABA Chairman. Mr Murray succeeds Mr Frank Cicutto, CEO and Managing Director, National Australia Bank, who has successfully completed his two year term as ABA Chairman.

ABA Welcomes Budget Surplus Maintenance and Financial Service Initiatives

Sydney, 23 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) welcomes the Government's commitment to maintaining budget surpluses in the years ahead. The ABA also commends the 2001-02 Budget for the introduction and implementation of important initiatives aimed at improving the financial services industry and Australian business in general.

Reports from Leading Economists Raise Concerns about RBA/ACCC Joint Interchange Fee Study

Sydney, 11 May, 2001: The Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) should give full consideration to the concerns of leading economists about the RBA/ACCC Joint Study into Interchange Fees and Credit Card Membership Schemes.

Banks Seek to Narrow ‘digital divide

Sydney, 2 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has lodged its Disability Action Plan with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunity Commission.

SA Government Plan to Impose Cash Limits for ATMs in Gaming Venues is Misguided

Sydney, 2 May, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says the South Australian Government’s plan to legislate to impose cash limits on Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) in gaming venues is misguided.

Reserve Bank Involvement Supported by Banks

Sydney, 12 April, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) today supported the involvement of the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) which used its powers of designation as a first step to the potential reform of interchange arrangements for Australia’s credit card system.

ABA Welcomes Expanded Electronic Funds Transfer Code of Conduct

Sydney, 5 April, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) welcomes the finalisation of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission’s (ASIC’s) expanded and revised Electronic Funds Transfer (EFT) Code of Conduct.

Banks Committed to Principles of Transparent Fee Disclosure

Sydney, 4 April 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) welcomes the release of the Australian Securities and Investment Commission's Draft Guide to Good Transaction Fee Disclosure as it will lead to improved fee disclosure for bank customers.

Five Million People could Access Safety Net, Basic Bank Accounts.

Sydney, 26 March 2001: The Australian Bankers' Association (ABA) today unveiled a comprehensive program aimed at addressing key community concerns about affordability of banking services, better access to banking facilities for older people, people with disabilities, those in rural and remote areas.

Review the Code of Banking Practice - ABA welcomes Issues Paper

Sydney, 5 March, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) today welcomes the release of Mr Richard Viney’s Issues Paper as part of the Review of the Code of Banking Practice.

Australian Bankers Association to Participate in NSW Roundtable Talks on Credit

Sydney, 22 February, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says credit is an important tool for people to manage their financial affairs and banks play a very important role in helping their customers achieve this.

Striving for Further Transparency - Banks working Alongside Consumer Groups on Fee Disclosure

Sydney, 8 February, 2001: The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) says banks have always supported the principles of transparent fee disclosure and are already examining the recommendations raised in the report from Parliamentary Inquiry into Fees on Electronic and Telephone Banking.

ABA Appoints new CEO

Sydney, 16 January, 2001: The Chairman of the Australian Bankers' Association (ABA), Frank Cicutto, today announced the appointment of David Bell as the new Chief Executive Officer of the ABA.