Media releases

The FSU has written to WA Premier Roger Cook calling on the Government to intervene to prevent further closures of Bankwest branches in the state.

FSU National Secretary Julia Angrisano said Bankwest had reduced its branch network from 88 to just over 60 in recent years following its takeover by the Commonwealth Bank.

“Bankwest is actively pushing its customers onto digital platforms and now claims branches are closing because customers prefer online banking,” Ms Angrisano said.

“Bankwest staff have told the FSU they are asked to explain if they serve customers over the counter rather than direct them to digital banking within branches.”

“Bankwest have been directing their staff to push customers onto digital banking within branches rather than serving them over the counter and are asked for a please explain if they don’t. Staff say this is not always in accordance with customer wishes but feel pressured to do so or face a backlash”

“We are concerned about the future of Bankwest branches in WA and the impact of closures on jobs and communities.”

“Bankwest have admitted to the Senate Inquiry into regional branch closures that it doesn’t proactively engage with communities prior to making their decision to close branches and community consultation is more about ‘holding their hands through the process of closure’.”

Ms Angrisano said a commitment by the CBA not to close further regional bank branches should be extended to its Bankwest subsidiary.

CBA executives in Sydney pull the strings at Bankwest so decisions like this fly in the face of the CBA’s commitment to back its regional branch network.

Media contact John Hill 0412 197 079