FSU welcomes CBA’s extension of regional branch closure moratorium, but metro communities still being left behind

01 October 2026

The Finance Sector Union (FSU) has welcomed the Commonwealth Bank's decision to extend its moratorium on regional branch closures to December 2030, which follows persistent calls from FSU members.

The moratorium was due to expire in July 2027, and today’s announcement means CBA will join Westpac in extending to 2030.

The extension provides further certainty and greater job security for workers in CBA's regional branches, and protects access to face-to-face banking for the communities they serve.

However, the moratorium only covers regional branches. This year alone, CBA has closed or announced the closure of 29 metropolitan branches, despite posting record profits. The union is calling on CBA to extend the moratorium to all branches, and on every other bank to match this commitment.

The FSU is currently in negotiations with CBA for a new Enterprise Agreement, and greater job security is at the heart of what workers are fighting to secure.

Quotes attributable to FSU National Secretary Julia Angrisano:

"This win belongs to CBA workers, who have fought tirelessly for branches to remain open so they can keep serving their local communities, including vulnerable customers.

"Not only does today’s announcement give bank workers greater job security, regional communities will also now have more certainty and control over their banking needs.

"For older Australians, people with disability, small businesses and anyone who struggles with online banking, local branches are a lifeline and an essential service, and all banks should be required to provide that service.

"It’s disappointing that CBA has not extended its moratorium to metro branches. Already this year, 29 metro branches are due to shut or have already closed.

“Closing metro branches clearly isn’t about necessity - it’s about squeezing even more profits at the expense of customers and workers.

"If CBA can guarantee regional branches until 2030, it can guarantee every branch. We're calling on CBA to extend the moratorium to all communities, not just some."

Media contact: Julian Maleevsky – 0430 781 993, [email protected]

The Finance Sector Union (FSU) says today’s profit announcement by the Commonwealth Bank…

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