BENDIGO BANK BRANCH — CLOSURE — HARVEY
686. Hon SOPHIA MOERMOND to the parliamentary secretary
representing the Minister for Small Business:
In what is a big blow to local
small businesses, as well as not-for-profits and pensioners, today Bendigo Bank
will close its Harvey branch, forcing Bendigo and Adelaide Bank customers to
take a 100-kilometre round trip to the nearest branches in Bunbury and
Pinjarra.
(1) In light of
yet another bank closure in the south west, has the minister consulted with
banking groups in an effort to keep branches open; and, if not, will he commit
to doing so?
(2) Will the minister direct the Small Business
Development Corporation to work with locals to find alternative banking
arrangements, given there is now only one bank left in the area?
Hon KYLE
McGINN replied:
I thank the member for some notice
of the question. The following answer has been provided to me by the Minister
for Small Business.
(1)–(2) No small businesses have contacted the minister
regarding this disappointing decision. The Small Business Development
Corporation is always available to assist small businesses with matters within
its remit and areas of expertise.