Media

26 May 2009

Westpac today announced a special disaster relief package to assist customers seriously affected by flooding in south-east Queensland and northern NSW.

"Our thoughts are with everybody affected by these floods, many of whom are Westpac customers," Westpac State General Manager, Regional Banking NSW, Sean O’Malley said.

"We understand how situations like this can affect our customers' financial circumstances and at this time they do not need the additional burden of worrying about financial commitments.

"Westpac has put together a package which offers practical help by providing some immediate financial relief."

The relief package includes:

• Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments and waive interest charges for up to three months
• Affected businesses with existing loans can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank establishment fees
• Affected credit card customers may request an emergency credit limit increase
• Affected customers with Westpac personal loans can apply to refinance their loan at a discounted fixed interest rate
• Westpac will waive interest penalties for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits
• General insurance assessment and decisions will be fast tracked.

Westpac customers who wish to utilise these special relief measures or need assistance with lost or stolen credit cards or insurance should contact Westpac Telephone Banking on 132 032, Business Direct on phone 132 772 or their business banking relationship manager.