ABA WILL EXPLORE PARTNERSHIPS WITH RECONCILIATION AUSTRALIA, GOVERNMENT AND INDUSTRIES TO IMPROVE ACCESS TO SERVICES FOR INDIGENOUS AUSTRALIANS Sydney, 9 May, 2002: Australian banks are working to overcome barriers which prevent access to banking and financial services for all Australians, including Indigenous Australians. David Bell, CEO of the Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) said: “The ABA will explore the development of partnerships with Reconciliation Australia, Government departments and other industries seeking to improve access to services, including banking,  which some Indigenous Australians may experience. “The ABA needs to gain a greater understanding about the barriers which some Indigenous Australians may experience for example: language, financial literacy, access to technology, computer literacy, social security dependency and cultural considerations.” “The economically sustainable provision of services for all Australians living in remote areas is an issue not just for banks but for the Government, other industry groups and the wider community.” Mr Bell said the ABA recently commissioned University of Adelaide to undertake a mapping of banking services which shows that the industry continues to service many remote communities (see map attached – provided by University of Adelaide). “The map shows all locations in Australia which are 20 kilometres from a banking point of presence where a retail customer can deposit and/or withdraw cash.” “In addition, the map identifies areas of Australia defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as being ‘remote’ or ‘very remote.’ “The map shows that there is a widespread presence of banking services in ‘remote’ and ‘very remote’ areas of Australia.” “Those banking services mapped include a variety of banking points of presence such as branches, community banks, in-store, supermarkets, agencies in newsagents, kiosks, ATMs, banking services provided through Australia Post’s GiroPost and manual networks.” The ABA and member bank representatives attended the two-day Workshop on Improving Banking and Financial Services for Indigenous Australians which concluded today in Sydney. The ABA and member bank representatives attended the two-day Workshop on Improving Banking and Financial Services for Indigenous Australians which concluded today in Sydney. Background for editors: See over for attached map which shows banking services in areas defined by the Australian Bureau of Statistics as ‘remote’ and ‘very remote’. A pilot program is underway in Alice Springs involving the Department of Family and Community Services, Centrelink with Westpac Banking Corporation and local indigenous organisations which ABA helped coordinate in the early stages. The key objective of this trial is to assist the members of that community to carry out ATM, EFTPOS and related financial transactions. Once this trial is complete and is found to be effective, other banks may be invited to participate in future programs in other areas. Some member banks have individual projects which assist Indigenous communities. In an effort to assist those with concerns about the affordability of banking, the ABA announced the basic banking standards which allow five million Australians to access fee-free banking within limits if they are holders of Commonwealth Government Healthcare cards. Many member banks have their own basic bank accounts.   For further information contact: Heather Wellard ABA PR Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439ENDS Click here for a larger image ENDS