Western Australia to get Saturday banking

20/9/03
Western Australian consumers will have the option of doing their banking on Saturdays under a plan announced today by Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke.
Mr Kobelke said the proposal would allow banks the discretion to offer branch services on Saturdays, create a level playing field in WA's financial services and provide greater convenience for many customers.
"Saturday banking will give the public increased access to banking services in WA and will bring WA in line with other States and Territories in Australia," he said.
"The Gallop Government is committed to providing a fairer deal for all Western Australians and this measure recognises the needs of small business and all consumers for greater access to banking services."
Cabinet had agreed in principle that banks would be able to operate on Saturdays, but Saturday would remain a 'bank holiday' under the terms of the Public and Bank Holidays Act 1972 (WA).
The Minister said this would mean that, when legislation was passed next year, banks could exercise their discretion whether or not to open on Saturdays.
"Banks which take up the option will be able to provide services including deposits, withdrawals, opening and closing accounts, bill payments, loan enquiries and applications, but not some of the more complex transactions such as bills of exchange," he said.
"Under the Commonwealth's Bills of Exchange Act 1909, bank holidays are considered to be non-business days, so banks that open on bank holidays will have discretion on the functions they perform and will not be required to offer the same range of services which are expected on a business day."
Westpac Challenge Bank has welcomed the Gallop Government's plan.
Regional Executive Michael Ehrentraut said today that as soon as legislation would permit, Challenge Bank planned to open on Saturday mornings, initially at a handful of branches in busy shopping areas.
"Saturday trading has been a huge success for Westpac in other States, with customers wanting more convenient hours to bank over the counter or discuss other banking needs face to face," Mr Ehrentraut said.
Minister's office: 9222 9211