WA; Bill could see banks trade on Saturdays

AAP General News (Australia)
04-07-2004
WA; Bill could see banks trade on Saturdays

PERTH, April 7 AAP - A bill to allow banks to open on Saturdays will be introduced
to the West Australian parliament today.

Consumer and Employment Protection Minister John Kobelke said the Bill sought to bring
WA into line with other states where some Saturday trading already provides greater convenience
to customers.

He said it would also provide a level playing field for financial services in WA.

"The Bill will provide a fairer deal for consumers and those banks which are keen to
open on Saturdays," Mr Kobelke said.

"Banks are already allowed to open on Saturday in other states and they should have
the discretion to do so here in WA as well."

Mr Kobelke said banks would not be forced to open, but he had indications that branches
in busy shopping locations would be among those likely to take up the option of Saturday
trading.

"Services that banks will be able to offer on Saturdays are expected to include deposits,
withdrawal, opening and closing accounts, bill payments, loan inquiries and applications,"

he said.

"Because Saturday will technically remain a bank holiday under the definition of the
Act, banks will be able to decide what services they offer and may not be able to carry
out some of the more complex transactions that they deal with on weekdays."

AAP hn/drp/jlw

KEYWORD: BANKS WA

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