At Queensland Country Bank, we understand how important branch banking is to our Members. From cash transacting to scam and fraud assistance, and every enquiry in-between, we know that face-to-face banking provides essential support services that should be available to all Australians.
However, regional communities have been disproportionately affected by the decline in branch services. Over the last nine years, approximately 900 regional and remote bank branches have closed, leading to the loss of 4,000 local jobs and costing regional investment an estimated $1 billion a year.
To help address this growing challenge, Queensland Country continues to rally with the Regional Banking Investment Alliance (RBIA), a group of 24 regional banks and supporters advocating for face‑to‑face banking services to remain available Australia‑wide, now and into the future.
The RBIA has been lobbying to all levels of Government for the introduction of a bank‑funded, low‑cost, cost‑sharing model designed to reduce the decline in branch availability. This model would support the retention of essential banking services and trained staff in regional and remote communities, ensuring that people can continue to access the support they rely on.
Queensland Country Bank CEO, Aaron Newman, said regional communities deserve access to in-person banking services, “bank branches are key pillars of a community and when they shut, it makes these areas less liveable. Our motive is to find a way to preserve face-to-face banking in country Australia.”
Mr Newman said the RBIA’s proposal offers a viable way forward. “The approach being proposed is a practical and fair solution to a growing problem. Regional banks like ours are already doing the heavy lifting to maintain face-to-face services, often supporting customers from across the broader banking system. A modest, industry-funded model would help ensure these essential services remain viable and accessible for the communities that rely on them.”
Hear more from Aaron Newman on Regional Queensland Today:
About the RBIA
The RBIA is made up of 24 regional banks and supporters who are calling for a community service obligation (CSO) on banks to ensure face-to-face branch services are provided to all Australians, regardless of where they live.
Members and supporters include: Regional Australia Bank, The Capricornian, Traditional Credit Union, Broken Hill Bank, Northern Inland Credit Union, Cairns Bank, The Mutual Bank, Central Murray Bank, Bank Orange, Summerland Bank, Horizon Bank, Geelong Bank, Family First, Darling Downs Bank, Bank WAW, SWSbank, Hume Bank, Goulburn Murray Credit Union, Central West Credit Union, Queensland Country Bank, Coastline Bank, G&C Mutual Bank, Unity Bank and Beyond Bank.
RBIA supporters: Country Women’s Association NSW, National Seniors Australia, Combined Pensioners & Superannuants Association, Australian Association of Convenience Stores, Queensland Country Women’s Association, Australian Lottery & Newsagents Association, Australasian Convenience and Petroleum Marketers Association, Mount Isa to Townsville Economic Development Zone and Regional HQ.