Westpac embraces WA's new Saturday bank trading laws

16/11/04
Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke has welcomed Westpac's decision to open five of its metropolitan bank branches on Saturdays.
"The Gallop Government's new laws to create a level playing field for financial services and more choice for consumers came into effect last month," Mr Kobelke said.

"From this Saturday, the first of Australia's major banks to embrace the opportunity will move to provide greater convenience for their customers.
"Banks are already allowed to open on Saturday in other States and this brings Western Australia into line with services consumers can get in other capital cities."
The Minister said banks would not be forced to open and he called on the banks that did take up the option to staff their branches with employees who had volunteered to work Saturdays.
"Services that banks will be able to offer on Saturdays include deposits, withdrawal, opening and closing accounts, bill payments, loan inquiries and applications," he said.
Under the new laws, Saturday will remain a bank holiday as defined in the Act, so banks will be able to decide what services they offer and may not be able to carry out some of the more complex transactions with which they deal on weekdays.
Mr Kobelke said the Gallop Government's good management principles, which had delivered balanced Budgets every year, helped create almost 80,000 jobs and Australia's highest economic growth had also been applied to ensure consumers were given more choice.
"I am sure the opportunity to visit a bank on Saturdays will provide consumers - families and others who have busy working weeks - with the chance to discuss loans and other important financial decisions," the Minister said.
"Banks will be able to provide more convenience for consumers, opening on Saturdays in areas where they find there is a demand for the extra opening hours."
Minister's office: 9222 9211