‘We’re being heard’: Regional bank branch closures postponed

Eight regional bank branch closures have been postponed following backlash.

On Tuesday, Neil Mitchell broke the news that 20 Westpac, Bank of Melbourne and Bank SA branches — 11 of them in Victoria — were set to close in coming months.

Today, Westpac has revealed it will hold off on the closure of eight branches, including two in Victoria— in Robinvale and Sale — until after the senate inquiry into regional banking services.

Nationals MP for Mildura, Jade Benham, says it’s good news for the Robinvale community, with the town’s ANZ branch also slated to close in coming months.

“At least we’re being heard and we’ve rattled some cages, so at least we get another year out of it!,” she told Neil Mitchell.

Press PLAY below to hear Ms Benham’s reaction to the postponement of the Robinvale closure

“Submission for the senate enquire close on the 31st March and inquiry report is due by the 1st of December, but we know what happens with government reports sometimes, and their due dates – it doesn’t always happen,” she told Neil Mitchell.

Another 10 Westpac Group branches across the country which were slated for closure will still close as planned in coming months.