A NEW online survey is seeking views on how Australians living in regional, rural or remote areas access news as part of a Federal Parliamentary inquiry into Australia’s regional newspapers.

The House of Representatives Standing Committee on Communications and the Arts Chair Dr Anne Webster MP said, "Over the past 10 years news outlets in rural, regional and remote communities have closed their doors which has resulted in a substantial reduction of articles covering local issues.

"It is important that we listen to our communities about what's important to them. This survey provides an opportunity for these communities to express their views on whether the loss of their regional voice has directly affected them.

"I encourage anyone who lives in Australia’s regional, rural or remote areas to participate in the online survey."

The survey is open until February 11, 2022 and takes less than 10 minutes to complete.

The committee is continuing to accept new submissions until January 28, 2022.

Information about the committee may be found on the committee’s webpage.

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THE House of Representatives Select Committee on Social Media and Online Safety began its public hearings on December 21-22, 2021.

Committee Chair Lucy Wicks MP said the hearings presented an opportunity for the committee to hear from a wide range of interested parties on matters relating to social media and online safety, with the focus in the initial hearings being on groups who can share their experiences of online harms.

"Online safety is a significant issue for a range of groups and individuals across the Australian community, and the committee will hear evidence from a variety of witnesses," Ms Wicks said.

Witnesses across the two days included advocates for children’s safety, including the Daniel Morcombe Foundation, the Alannah and Madeline Foundation and the Carly Ryan Foundation. The committee will also hear from representatives of minority groups, faith organisations and the Let Her Speak campaign. Programs for hearings can be found on the Committee’s website.

Public hearings are anticipated to continue in January 2022, with further dates to be advised soon. The closing date for submissions is January 12, 2022. The Committee’s findings from hearings and submissions will be contained in its report, to be tabled in the Parliament by February 15, 2022.

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WESTPAC will provide emergency support for customers impacted by the floods in Maryborough and surrounding regions in Queensland.

Westpac chief customer engagement officer, Ross Miller said, “Westpac and StGeorge have customer teams standing by to help those in need of financial assistance resulting from the floods that have impacted the region in recent days.

“We know that the floods have caused damage to homes and businesses following significant rainfall over the weekend. We want our customers to know there are a range of tailored support options available to help them get back on their feet, including home and business loan deferrals and emergency credit card relief.

“We know these situations provide a great deal of stress and uncertainty for households and businesses. We want our customers to know we are only a phone call away if they need our help,” Mr Miller said.

Emergency support available:  

• Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
• Affected credit card customers may apply to defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days.
• Affected customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee.
• Westpac will waive interest rate adjustments for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits.
• Affected customers experiencing hardship may also be offered a halt on all interest accrual on unsecured credit products for a period of up to three months.
• Affected customers with Westpac business loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months.
• Affected businesses with existing loans can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees.
• Affected business customers with merchant facilities are eligible to receive assistance, including monthly terminal access fee waivers for up to three months.

 To access financial assistance:

• Westpac consumer customers can apply online or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call Westpac Assist on 1800 067 497.

• St George consumer customers can apply online or call St George Assist on 1800 629 795. Business customers who need support can contact their Relationship Manager or call St George Assist on 1800 629 795.

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BANKING services are essential to small businesses in rural and regional areas and more should be done to support those impacted by branch closures, the Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Bruce Billson said..

In a submission to the Regional Banking Taskforce, the Ombudsman said bank branch closures are disruptive to small and family businesses and that can have a ripple effect on the wider community.

“Small businesses rely on banking services to operate in the modern economy and it is essential those in rural and regional areas have access to the full range of banking facilities,” Mr Billson said.

“Branch closures increase small business administrative costs, the level of risk for business owners, and have a community wide economic impact caused by business patronage moving away, along with reduced community amenity, particularly if it is the last remaining bank in town.   

“For some small businesses, the loss of a local bank branch, may even cause them to look for services outside the regulated financial system. That is a bad outcome and there is more that can be done to support small businesses when a bank branch closes.

“My office would welcome the opportunity to work with the Australian Banking Association (ABA) to amend the code of practice to ensure customers affected by a branch closure can move to any other bank with no cost penalties.

“We have also asked the taskforce to consider expanding programs such as the Regional Tech Hub to help rural and regional small businesses to secure safe banking services," Mr Billson said.

“Particularly in areas where there is no local bank branch, NBN connectivity is critical. My office has long argued that access to banking and vital communications services are essential and a greater focus is needed to set and adhere to deliverable service standards. Where these standards are not met, impacting a small or family business, some consequences and remediation steps should apply.

“Australian small and family businesses have faced many difficult challenges over the past two years – the pandemic has exacerbated the impact of bushfires, floods and drought. These businesses need support as they work to get back on their feet, including access to essential banking services.”

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