(11 February 2009 – Australia) Australian banks have leant their support to the Victorian bushfire appeal in the wake of Australia’s greatest disaster.Banks across the country have made a significant input with massive donations and have provided flexibility and assistance to their customers.
The Australian Bankers’ Association (ABA) has said that banks will offer a range of options for customers affected by the Victorian bushfires.
These includes suspension of home loan repayments, waving fees on term deposit withdrawals, providing additional funding and fee-free restructuring of business loans.
The ANZ has also set up a benefit for mortgage customers of $10,000 in cash grants to those whose family home was totally destroyed.
The banks have also leant enormous support in terms of donations to the Victorian Bushfire Appeal established by the Victorian State Government.
AMP, ANZ, CBA, Macquarie Group, NAB and Westpac/St George and have all pledged $1 million each to the appeal, while Bendigo and Adelaide Bank’s own appeal has reached $1.6 million thus far.
Agribusiness bank, Rabobank has also pledged $100,000, as has ING Australia.