As we move a week further into the Coronavirus (COVID-19) outbreak, and with several new developments since my update last week, I wanted to provide you with some additional information on how Queensland Country Bank is responding to this situation.

Availability of branches

We have taken all the steps necessary to continue offering services to our Members. Most support staff and managers are now working from home and all of our branches remain open. As mentioned last week, we will continue to monitor Government directives, along with the health of our teams, and will provide updates on service availability through our website and social media channels if there is any change. If you don’t already, I encourage you to follow Queensland Country Bank via Facebook or Instagram to keep up to date.

Access to your money via non face-to-face methods

We are seeing less cash being used as retailers start to limit purchases to card transactions only to avoid the need to touch cash. As such, having appropriate and current access cards on your account is of vital importance. Please let us know if you need a replacement card or would like to add a card to your account.

As we all move towards implementing social distancing and working from home, more of our Members are choosing to do their banking by phone rather than visiting a branch. We have added staff in our contact centres to manage the increase in demand and ensure we continue to provide the service you have come to expect. Please feel free to contact us on 1800 075 078 for your general banking enquiries.

 

Government assistance for tenants

Over the weekend the Government announced a six month moratorium on the eviction of tenants as a result of financial distress caused by Coronavirus and the associated measures to stop its spread.  While this comes as good news for our Members who are having difficulties making their rental payments at the moment, we are aware that it will have a flow-on impact for Members who have borrowed to finance the purchase of investment properties.

I can confirm our Emergency Relief Package, which includes the ability to defer loan repayments for up to six months, is available to Members who have borrowed to purchase investment properties that are impacted by this Government decision. If you have concerns that your rental income will be affected, please feel free to contact us to discuss how we can assist you.

Online scams

The Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) issued communications last week advising of a significant increase in Australians being targeted with Coronavirus (COVID-19) related scams and phishing emails. 

These phishing emails are often sophisticated, preying on people’s desire for information and imitating trusted and well-known organisations or government agencies. Clicking on these malicious links or visiting fake websites may automatically install computer viruses or malware and ransomware onto your device, giving cyber criminals the ability to steal your financial and personal information.
 
These scams are likely to increase over the coming weeks and months and we strongly encourage you to remain alert.  Additional tips on how to stay safe online can be viewed on our website or from the Government’s Stay Safe Online service.

As always, I wish to reassure you that Queensland Country Bank is here for you during these difficult times. Every effort is being made to assist our Members, staff and communities. Should you require any assistance from us, please don’t hesitate to reach out through your local branch, via phone or through our website.

Regards,


Aaron Newman
Group CEO