Is your local NAB branch closing? Find out why these communities call it a 'betrayal'
In a move indicative of the changing banking landscape, the National Australia Bank (NAB) has recently announced its decision to close five branches nationwide next year.
This decision, part of the bank's broader restructuring efforts, has been met with significant backlash from the community. Concerns are particularly focused on the impact this will have on access to essential banking services in the affected areas.
The branches set to close their doors on March 7, 2024, are Tuggeranong in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Scone in New South Wales (NSW), Emerald in Greater Melbourne, Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast, and Balmain in Sydney.
Krissie Jones, NAB Retail Executive, explained that the increasing shift towards online banking drove the decision to close these branches.
'While we understand some people will be disappointed, this decision was made after looking closely at the number of customers using these branches and the increased use of digital banking in the area,' Ms Jones said.
‘Just as people are using online government services to complete their tax or a Medicare claim, locals in these areas are increasingly choosing to bank digitally because it’s often more convenient,’ she added.
However, the Financial Sector Union (FSU), who were notified of the closures last month, has criticised the timing of the announcement, which comes just before Christmas—a time when many households are grappling with the cost-of-living pressures.
Julia Angrisano, FSU National Secretary, described the closures as a 'betrayal’ and expressed concern about its impact on the community.
‘Closing these banks is a betrayal of the community and staff in these areas and will make banking harder for older people, businesses and anyone who needs to speak to a banker face-to-face,’ she stated.
‘It is a disgrace that NAB continues to aggressively pursue its branch closure strategy without genuine community engagement or employee consultation,’ she continued.
In response to the criticism, NAB has emphasised that no jobs will be lost as a result of the closures. Employees from the closing branches will be transferred to other roles within the bank.
This is not the first time NAB has announced branch closure. In the past six months, 30 regional branches have been closed.
This new announcement comes in the middle of an ongoing Senate inquiry into regional bank closures. The inquiry was launched in February 2023 in response to the closure of more than 1,600 regional bank branches over six years.
It was also previously reported that Australia’s biggest banks were allegedly charging high fees for over-the-counter transactions to discourage branch usage. Business customers from ANZ, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB have claimed to have been charged hefty fees for teller-assisted transactions. You can read the full article here.
The Impact of Branch Closures on the Community
While the rise of digital banking has certainly made managing finances more convenient for many, the closure of physical branches can have a significant impact on certain segments of the community. Older Australians, in particular, who may not be as comfortable with digital banking, can find these closures particularly challenging.
Moreover, businesses that deal with cash transactions and need to make regular deposits can also be affected. Closing local branches can mean longer travel times to the nearest branch, adding to the operational challenges of running a business.
Despite the convenience of digital banking, there's something to be said about the human touch in banking. Face-to-face interactions with bank staff can often make complex financial matters easier to understand.
For those navigating significant financial decisions, such as applying for a mortgage or planning for retirement, having a trusted banker to speak to can be invaluable.
What are your thoughts on these branch closures, members? Have you been affected by a similar situation? Share your experiences and join the conversation below.
This decision, part of the bank's broader restructuring efforts, has been met with significant backlash from the community. Concerns are particularly focused on the impact this will have on access to essential banking services in the affected areas.
The branches set to close their doors on March 7, 2024, are Tuggeranong in the Australian Capital Territory (ACT), Scone in New South Wales (NSW), Emerald in Greater Melbourne, Runaway Bay on the Gold Coast, and Balmain in Sydney.
Krissie Jones, NAB Retail Executive, explained that the increasing shift towards online banking drove the decision to close these branches.
'While we understand some people will be disappointed, this decision was made after looking closely at the number of customers using these branches and the increased use of digital banking in the area,' Ms Jones said.
‘Just as people are using online government services to complete their tax or a Medicare claim, locals in these areas are increasingly choosing to bank digitally because it’s often more convenient,’ she added.
However, the Financial Sector Union (FSU), who were notified of the closures last month, has criticised the timing of the announcement, which comes just before Christmas—a time when many households are grappling with the cost-of-living pressures.
Julia Angrisano, FSU National Secretary, described the closures as a 'betrayal’ and expressed concern about its impact on the community.
‘Closing these banks is a betrayal of the community and staff in these areas and will make banking harder for older people, businesses and anyone who needs to speak to a banker face-to-face,’ she stated.
‘It is a disgrace that NAB continues to aggressively pursue its branch closure strategy without genuine community engagement or employee consultation,’ she continued.
In response to the criticism, NAB has emphasised that no jobs will be lost as a result of the closures. Employees from the closing branches will be transferred to other roles within the bank.
This is not the first time NAB has announced branch closure. In the past six months, 30 regional branches have been closed.
This new announcement comes in the middle of an ongoing Senate inquiry into regional bank closures. The inquiry was launched in February 2023 in response to the closure of more than 1,600 regional bank branches over six years.
It was also previously reported that Australia’s biggest banks were allegedly charging high fees for over-the-counter transactions to discourage branch usage. Business customers from ANZ, Westpac, Commonwealth Bank and NAB have claimed to have been charged hefty fees for teller-assisted transactions. You can read the full article here.
The Impact of Branch Closures on the Community
While the rise of digital banking has certainly made managing finances more convenient for many, the closure of physical branches can have a significant impact on certain segments of the community. Older Australians, in particular, who may not be as comfortable with digital banking, can find these closures particularly challenging.
Moreover, businesses that deal with cash transactions and need to make regular deposits can also be affected. Closing local branches can mean longer travel times to the nearest branch, adding to the operational challenges of running a business.
Despite the convenience of digital banking, there's something to be said about the human touch in banking. Face-to-face interactions with bank staff can often make complex financial matters easier to understand.
For those navigating significant financial decisions, such as applying for a mortgage or planning for retirement, having a trusted banker to speak to can be invaluable.
Key Takeaways
- National Australia Bank (NAB) will close five branches across ACT, NSW, VIC, and the Gold Coast on March 7, 2024.
- The closures have been criticised by the Financial Sector Union (FSU) as a 'betrayal of the community', especially given the timing before Christmas.
- No jobs will be lost, with employees of closing branches to be transferred to other positions within the bank. Customers can use Australia Post stores for certain services.
- The announcement comes amid an ongoing Senate inquiry into regional bank closures, launched due to the closure of more than 1,600 regional bank branches in six years.
What are your thoughts on these branch closures, members? Have you been affected by a similar situation? Share your experiences and join the conversation below.