McLeish slams bank closures

■ Eildon MLA Cindy McLeish says it has It has been a disappointing blow to locals in the Murrindindi Shire with the closure of major bank branches, most recently NAB branch in Alexandra.

“It feels as modern banking starts to primarily operate online, those who do still visit their local bank branch in person have been tossed aside,” Ms McLeish said.

“Since the last Commonwealth Bank branch in the Shire closed in 2021, and now NAB shutting their doors, there are no major bank branches remaining in Alexandra.

“Whilst the Bendigo Bank has a strong presence in other areas in the Murrindindi Shire, the larger banks have all but deserted this area.

“It is not only the loyal customers who have been put out, but also the employees and small businesses that are feeling the loss of security.

“I encourage those affected by the closures to make a submission into the Senate committee’s inquiry, Bank closures in regional Australia, by March 31 closure date via the website Bank closures in regional Australia –Parliament of Australia (aph.gov.au). I also encourage the NAB to hold off on any decision making until after the inquiry has an outcome.”