WIDE RANGE OF COMMUNITY GROUPS INVITED TO MAKE SUBMISSION TO REVIEW OF BANKING CODE OF PRACTICE National Farmers' Federation Media Release - Incorrect Sydney, 19 July, 2000:Jeff Oughton, acting Chief Executive of the Australian Bankers' Association said today's media release from the National Farmers' Federation has mistakenly stated that consumer groups were not part of a panel reviewing the Banking Code of Practice. Mr Oughton said: "There is no panel reviewing the Banking Code of Practice - the review is being undertaken by independent consultant Richard Viney, completely independent of the ABA." The ABA stresses that it wrote to more than 50 organisations including consumers groups like the Australian Consumers' Association, interest groups such as the National Farmers' Federation, government departments, financial counselling services and politicians, inviting them to lodge a submission to the independent review. The terms of reference of the review of the Code of Banking Practice were advertised in two national newspapers inviting any interested parties, including individuals, to lodge a submission. For further information: Heather Wellard, ABA PR : (02) 8298 0411 or 0409 830 439. Also see our website: www.bankers.asn.au July 19, 2000, 10/00