Federal Member for Flynn, Colin Boyce has not wasted any time in the first sitting week of 2023, blasting the big banks over branch closures in the Federal Parliament.
Mr Boyce did not mince his words saying it’s time for the big banks to put their money where their mouth is and stop treating our regional communities like second class citizens.
“Last week, customers of Westpac’s Kin Kora branch in Gladstone were notified that their local branch was closing. This bank branch closure joins over 550 branches closed since January 2020 by the big four banks,” Mr Boyce said.
“Bank branch closures have occurred all over the Flynn electorate in communities such as Gladstone, Tannum Sands, Moura, Biloela, Theodore, Emerald, Springsure, Capella, Mundubbera, Gin Gin, Gayndah, Gracemere, Taroom, Wondai and Mount Morgan.
“On many occasions, the big banks have advised customers to use online services. While this may be viable for some people, I have serious concerns for our elderly that rely on these bank branches.
“Constituents in some communities have to drive hours to visit their nearest branch because of bank branch closures. It is simply not good enough.
“The big banks need to justify why they are leaving their regional customers high and dry.
“To the people of Flynn in communities like Gladstone who are now losing yet another service – I urge you to move your business and send the big banks a message.
“If you abandon us, we abandon you.”
