Member for Nanango, Deb Frecklington, says the decision by Commonwealth Bank to reduce hours at the Murgon branch is just another example of services being stripped from regional areas.
Mrs Frecklington said it is extremely disappointing that the Commonwealth Bank does not comprehend the importance of face-to-face services to regional towns like Murgon.
“Murgon has been included in a long list of regional towns across Australia that will have their daily opening hours reduced to 9.30am until 1pm,” Mrs Frecklington said.
“This is like a death-by-a-thousands cuts. We know that once major banks start reducing their hours, they then claim not enough people are using the walk-in service and the next thing we see is branch closures.
“Regional towns like Murgon really value these types of services and once again we’re seeing large companies relinquish their commitment to serve regional areas.
“Unfortunately, this has become a common theme for the big banks, who believe they can service their customers just as well online.
“However, for community groups, and businesses, it will always be necessary for them to have access to physical banking services. And we all know that many people in regional areas have poor internet connection, or no computer access at all, so internet banking isn’t always the answer.
“The other thing that we’re seeing in regional Queensland is the issue of cybercrime. More and more people are being targeted in scams and there is a genuine need for victims of these crimes to be able to access their bank in person to discuss their situation.
“I am also really concerned about the staff. The Commonwealth Bank needs to ensure employment options are provided to these local staff.
“I will be writing to the Commonwealth Bank to express my disappointment about the reduction of hours at Murgon to request their decision be overturned,” Deb said.
