Standing Committee on Economics, Finance and Public
Administration
Media release, 13-16 July 1998
PARLIAMENTARY COMMITTEE TO SEEK REGIONAL VIEWS ON BUSH BANKING
The House of Representatives Financial Institutions Committee will be
conducting public hearings in a number of regional centres in Western
Australia as part of its wide-ranging inquiry into alternative banking
for regional Australia.
Mr David Hawker MP, Chairman of the Committee, said, "The Committee
is looking forward to canvassing the views of people in regional Western
Australia. It is very important to the Committee that we hear from people
in the bush. This issue effects all Australians living in regional and
remote areas. The Committee has received 120 submissions which demonstrates
the importance of this inquiry to those living in regional and remote
areas."
"The Committee is interested in visiting as many regional areas as possible
in order to get a complete picture of the situation. We have already had
successful visits to regional Victoria and Tasmania, and following the
Western Australia visit we will be travelling to the Northern Territory,
Queensland and NSW."
"In Western Australia there are around 45 Shires, with a total population
of approximately 89 000 people, which do not have direct access to financial
services. The Committee is most interested in investigating ways to enable
these people, and those in a similar position in other areas of the country,
to access financial services."
The inquiry will take the Committee to Perth, Northam, Norseman, Laverton,
One Arm Point, Fitzroy Crossing and Wyndam over three days from the 13-15
July. The Committee will hold public hearing and discussions with industry
and community groups including the Western Australian Municipal Association,
BankWest, the Wheatbelt Development Commission and a number of regional
Shire Councils.
Mr Hawker added, "The Committee has so far been very successful in raising
the profile of this important issue. The recent seven-point proposal put
to the Committee by the Australian Banker's Association is evidence that
the banks are now aware of just how important bank services are to regional
and remote Australia. We are committed to finding the best possible solutions
for people in rural and remote areas. Visiting regional areas allows the
Committee to explore as many alternatives as possible."
Release ends
9 July 1998
Further information:
David Hawker MP (Chairman) 02 - 6277 4837
Janet Connaughton (Inquiry Secretary) 02 - 6277 2375
e-mail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
Details of Program and Committee membership attached
PUBLIC HEARINGS PROGRAM - WESTERN AUSTRALIA
13-15 July 1998
Monday 13 July
PERTH
Conference Room Commonwealth Parliamentary Offices
Level 39, Exchange Plaza
2 The Esplanade
9.00 - 9.30 am WA Municipal Association
9.30 - 10.00 am O'Connor Division of the Liberal Party
10.00 - 10.30 am BankWest
10.40 - 11.10 am Australian Women in Agriculture
NORTHAM
The Shamrock Hotel
112 Fitzgerald Street
Northam
2.00 - 2.45pm The Hon. Max Trenorden MLA
2.45 - 3.30pm WA Telecentre Network
3.45 - 4.30pm Wheatbelt Development Commission
4.30 - 5.15pm Shire of Kulin
Tuesday 14 July 1998
NORSEMAN
9.30 - 11.00am Town visit to meet local business people and members
of the community.
LAVERTON
Desert Inn Hotel
2 Laver Street
Laverton
2.00 - 4.30pm Public meetings
Wednesday 15 July 1998
ONE ARM POINT
9.00 - 11.30am Tour of community and round table discussion with
representatives from the Bardi Community and other communities on the
Dampier Peninsular.
FITZROY CROSSING
1.50 pm Round table discussion with representatives from the Shire
of Derby/West Kimberly and the Shire of Halls Creek.
WYNDHAM
5.00 - 6.00pm Meeting with Shire of East Kimberley/Wyndham.
Secretariat contact details:
The Secretary
Standing Committee on Financial Institutions and Public Administration
R1.121
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 4587
Facsimile: (02) 6277 4557
Mobile: 0418 434 971
EMail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
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