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2002 (c) Peninsula Community Access Newspaper Inc

 

Andrews criticises Commonwealth closure

 

Member for Peats, Ms Marie Andrews, has criticised the Commonwealth Bank for closing its Ettalong Beach branch, in the face of a petition and her representations to keep it open.

"I am disappointed that the Commonwealth bank has not listened to the people and is still proceeding with closing the Ettalong Beach branch," she said.

Ms Andrews held a protest outside the branch in May with over 200 people attending.

A petition was circulated with hundreds of signatures collected.

This was tabled in the NSW Parliament by Ms Andrews.

"When I found out about the proposal to close the bank, I immediately wrote to the head of the Commonwealth Bank requesting him to reconsider the bank's decision.

"Unfortunately, the bank has chosen to go ahead with the closure.

"I am pleased that Australia Post at Ettalong Beach is willing to handle some day-to-day banking needs for customers.

"However, I have grave concerns about the safety aspects when it comes to larger banking transactions.

"What will happen when someone wants to ask a question and the Post Office staff can't assist them?

"Will they be able to speak to a real person over the phone and not a recorded voice?

"Bank staff and their customers have built up relationships over the years, and sadly, this will now all be lost.

"The Federal Government has responsibility for regulating the banking industry.

"I'm again calling on the Federal Member for Robertson to advocate strongly for changes to this industry.

"These changes should require all banks to provide at least a minimum level of banking services to the community.

"Had these changes been in place then I'm sure that we would not now be lamenting the loss of the last bank in Ettalong Beach," Ms Andrews said.

The closure of the Ettalong Beach branch is the 172nd Commonwealth Bank branch closure in New South Wales since 1995.

Press release, July 28