Moree Westpac closure: Face to face service lost

Member for Northern Tablelands Adam Marshall has condemned Westpac’s decision to close its Moree branch in February next year.

The announcement came just as agriculture, retail and hospitality businesses were recovering from the pandemic, Mr Marshall said.

“Westpac is kicking our hard-working small businesses and families in the guts, with the loss of face-to-face services and four local people’s jobs,” Mr Marshall said.

“Westpac fails to understand that customers still value and rely on conducting their banking in person, especially when an issue arises and contacting the call centre just does not cut it.

“They’re walking away from us and I’d urge those who can to walk away from them.”

Mr Marshall said Westpac was preying on the loyalty of country people, no doubt hoping its customers remain, despite this latest slap in the face.

“Country people traditionally have been loyal in how they shop, bank and insure but loyalty is a two-way street and Westpac hasn’t shown much loyalty to its customers in the bush and I believe we no longer owe any to them,” he said.

“Moree is the second community Westpac have turned its back on, with the Glen Innes branch set to close in the coming weeks and I’m hearing Inverell will be next.

“As one of the largest banks in Australia, Westpac has a responsibility to ensure equitable access to face-to-face banking services for everyone regardless of changes in banking behaviour.

“Too often now rural and regional NSW is falling victim to the prioritisation of shareholder profits, over local customer service and support.

“Of course we know a lot of people do online banking, but not everyone and after the Optus hacking scare I cannot blame older people in particular for being very nervous about banking over the internet or the phone.

“My position has always been clear when it comes to the big four banks maintaining a presence in regional communities; if you have paying local customers, you should offer local services.

“I urge Westpac to reconsider this decision, do the right thing and choose people over profits.”