20 April 2011

Senator the Hon John Hogg
President of the Senate
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600

Dear Mr President

Pursuant to Senate Standing Order 38(7), I present to you an interim report of the Economics References Committee in relation to the Committee’s inquiry into competition within the banking sector in Australia.

On 28 October 2010 the reference was referred to the committee for inquiry and report by 31 March 2011. On 24 March 2011, the Senate granted an extension to the reporting date until 27 April 2011.

The committee has received 137 submissions to the inquiry and held 10 public hearings. It is in the final stages of its deliberations to approve a substantial Chair's report. The committee requests an extension of time to report until 6 May 2011.

Senator Alan Eggleston
Chair