Bankwest’s Regional Branch Closures Spark Outcry Among WA Customers

Bankwest customers across regional Western Australia express disappointment following the bank’s announcement to close all 60 branches in the state, transitioning to digital-only services without prior consultation.

The decision, which will see the closure of branches in various towns including Bunbury, Busselton, Albany, Kalgoorlie-Boulder, and Port Hedland, has sparked concerns among locals.

Bankwest, a subsidiary of Commonwealth Bank, admitted to not engaging with regional communities before the branch closures were made known.

Residents in affected areas like Bridgetown and Albany lament the loss of face-to-face banking services and express disappointment over the shift towards digital-only operations.

In Kununurra, where local banking services have declined in recent years, residents feel the impact of the closures, with concerns raised about the limited access to in-person financial support.

As community members in Carnamah grapple with the closure of their last bank branch by Westpac last year, limitations on cash deposits at the local post office add to the challenges faced by businesses and residents.

Australia’s Licensed Post Office Group highlights that post offices, being increasingly relied upon for banking services, are not adequately supported by banks during the transition, impacting both customers and businesses.