Westpac Pauses Regional Branch Closures Until 2030

The move follows a federal parliamentary inquiry into the impact of bank branch closures on rural communities, which received more than 600 submissions and issued eight recommendations last year. Westpac says it will also pilot a new “Community Banking Service” and launch a regional graduate recruitment program to strengthen staffing and service levels in country areas.

Senator Matt Canavan, who chaired the inquiry, welcomed the moratorium but noted the federal government has yet to formally respond to all recommendations. He stressed the need to ensure towns already affected by branch closures aren’t left without workable alternatives.

Treasurer Jim Chalmers called Westpac’s announcement “welcome news” and urged other major banks to follow suit and commit to maintaining essential services in regional Australia.

For many regional communities, the decision offers temporary relief — though the long-term future of local banking access remains a live concern.