ATMS VERY POPULAR WITH THE COMMUNITY - CONVENIENT, SAFE AND CHEAP DESPITE BANKWATCH CLAIMS Sydney, 1 Nov, 2000: The Australian Bankers' Association says the use of Automatic Teller Machines (ATMs) and other electronic services by Australian banking customers is booming because they are convenient, safe, great value and are accessible 24-hours-a-day to complete banking and financial services. Jeff Oughton, acting CEO of the Australian Bankers' Association said: "The numbers speak for themselves - three out of every four adults, of all ages and in all parts of Australia, complete ten million ATM transactions a week." Mr Oughton said security is the number one consideration when banks decide the location of an ATM and incidence of ATM crime is extremely low. "The sites chosen are well lit, highly visible to passing traffic and free of obstruction that could block vision. Of course, we advise our customers to be careful wherever cash is handled and ATMs are no different. If customers feel unsafe at an ATM, there are many other ways to access financial services: at the branch; at the supermarket when you are doing your shopping; at the Post Office; over the phone and on the Internet. "The small number of ATM incidents is not caused by the lack of adequate laws or security - it is criminals at work. It is one of the many forms of street crime and we are working with the Police and all levels of government to limit the impact on our customers." Claims by consumer group Bankwatch that customers are being forced to use ATMS because of branch closures and over-the-counter fees is contrary to facts. Mr Oughton said: "Four out of five transactions are now being done electronically as customers take up the convenience and value of electronic network services such as ATMs, EFTPOS, phone and Internet banking. A recent survey of ABA members found that more than thirty percent of ATM transactions are completed outside traditional banking hours. "And the total number of face to face services in Australia is roughly the same as it was five years ago - allowing for the growth in services available at Australia Post Offices, supermarkets, newsagencies and Rural Transaction Centres. "Up to seventy-five percent of people don't pay any fees on their personal transaction accounts when seeking financial services at a branch, an ATM or the many other choices they have available today. "Banks also provide a great deal of support for many people with special needs. There are fee-free accounts offered by banks to children, people with disabilities, pensioners and students." The ABA and its member banks are actively involved in consultation with the community, all levels of government and Police, on security issues and design standards for ATMs. Mr Oughton said: "On design standards for ATMs and other electronic facilities such as EFTPOS, phones and the Internet, the industry is working constructively with the Human Rights and Equal Opportunities Commission and community organisations to address concerns raised by the community." For further information contact: Heather Wellard ABA PR Phone: 02 8298 0411 Mobile: 0409 830 439     ENDS