Member for Gilmore, Fiona Phillips MP has today called on the Commonwealth Bank of Australia to reverse its heartless decision to remove an ATM from Bomaderry, leaving locals without access to vital banking services.

The Commonwealth Bank has announced the closure of the ATM in Meroo Street, Bomaderry, opposite the train station, effective from Thursday 15 August 2019.

ATM services in Bomaderry are limited and this decision will mean many local residents will be forced to travel across the bridge to make withdrawals, resulting in increased travel costs, limiting access to banking and inconveniencing many.

“Closing the ATM in Meroo Street won’t just affect Commonwealth Bank customers. I have received a number of calls from concerned residents, including those who are elderly and have disabilities, who are losing their main source of money, with the nearest ATM some distance away,” Fiona Phillips MP, Member for Gilmore said.

“Regional Australia deserves better than banks more focused on profits than on social outcomes for our community. We have seen enough of this in the Banking Royal Commission and residents are sick of this kind of treatment.”

“Many of the people in my community rely on it every day to pay bills and buy milk at the local store, and removing this option for them is simply unacceptable.”

“I have today contacted the Commonwealth Bank to ask why this decision has been made with seemingly no consultation with the local community and to request they delay this decision while other options are considered.”

Ms Phillips is calling on the Morrison Government to take decisive action to address the difficulties Gilmore residents have in accessing banking services in the wake of the Banking Royal Commission.

Ms Phillips said “I will continue do my best to ensure that the Government and industry are held to account for their social responsibilities to our community and I call on the Commonwealth Bank to reverse this ruthless corporate decision.”

WEDNESDAY 14 JULY 2019