It’s been happening a bit away from the fray, but the government did a deal with the big banks to ensure they keep banking services open in regional Australia.

The deal lasts until 2027, so it gets the government across the line for this coming election (that, along with the contingency plan to buy Rex airlines if a private buyer isn’t found – the regions are quite popular at the moment!)

Bob Katter has welcomed that announcement, but he wants to see a long term solution:

I’ve got to pay credit to the government here; they’ve moved against going cashless and they’ve moved against the closure of regional banks.”

Though there’s probably been more closures in the outer suburbs than the towns and regions. People think this is an issue for the bush, but the outer suburbs have done worse off than us.

So yes, we have to praise the government for this initiative. As well as all those who rose up in righteous anger over the closures – just as they did for the cashless proposals.”

But, while this provides temporary relief, it is not enough. We can’t keep kicking the can down the road. We need bold action to secure regional banking services for the future.”