House of Representatives Committees

Standing Committee on Economics, Finance and Public Administration

Alternative means of providing banking and like services in regional Australia
Media Releases

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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