Latest news

Government responds to bank branch closures inquiry

The Federal Government has quietly tabled its response to the recommendations from the Senate inquiry into regional bank closures.

While the government has acknowledged many of the recommendations and agreed to some of them in principle, their response doesn’t go far enough. Read more about how they responded here.

Unfortunately, the government has missed an opportunity to secure the future of retail banking and protect the jobs of workers in regional and remote Australia.

As we know, the government’s existing moratorium on regional branch closures for the big four banks ends in July 2027.

The FSU is calling on the government to extend the moratorium to 2030 for regional and metro branches across all banks, not just the big four.

It's critical that our government holds employers accountable for providing vital banking services. Importantly, banks must provide workers with guaranteed job security, and time to retrain, be redeployed, and transition into new roles.

Please sign and share our petition to send a message to the government that this is what our communities want and need.

We’ve seen some banks begin to move in the right direction and take positive steps to invest in regional networks and expand trading hours. In particular, Westpac has committed to extend its regional branch moratorium to 2030, and we hope all banks will follow.

We’ll continue to ensure profitable banks are held to account and communities have access to vital banking services.

Related content

BECOME AN FSU MEMBER TODAY.

When you join the FSU, you get access to expert workplace support whenever you need it. From pay and conditions to restructures and workplace disputes, we help you understand your rights. You'll receive representation where it’s needed and access to exclusive member benefits that add value beyond the workplace. If something isn’t right, or you simply want clarity about your options, you don’t have to navigate it alone.
Proudly supported by:
The Finance Sector Union respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners of the land on which we live and work, and pay respect to First Nations Peoples and their Elders, past and present.
Authorised by Julia Angrisano, Finance Sector Union of Australia, Level 13, 380 La Trobe Street, Melbourne, VIC 3000.
Copyright © 2026 Finance Sector Union (FSU). All rights reserved.