Westpac Provides Disaster Relief Package for Customers Affected by Bushfires in South East Queensland

SYDNEY, Australia, Sept. 9 -- Westpac Banking issued the following news release:

Westpac today announced that its Disaster Relief Package is available to customers who are facing financial hardship following severe bushfires in South East Queensland.

Westpac branches in Queensland will also be taking donations for communities impacted by the bushfires on behalf of GIVIT.

GIVIT is coordinating all donations on behalf of the Queensland Government and affected Regional Councils, and any community member can visit any Westpac Branch in Queensland to donate.

Greg Crocombe, State General Manager for Westpac Queensland, said Westpac's Disaster Relief Package offers immediate practical help to assist customers with their finances.

"Our thoughts are with our affected customers during this difficult time, and we want our customers to know we are here to help."

"I encourage anyone who needs assistance or support to contact their local Westpac Bank Manager or call our Westpac Assist team on 1800 067 497 as soon as possible to discuss their circumstances," Mr Crocombe said.

The Westpac Disaster Relief Package offers various options*, including the following:

* Affected customers with Westpac home loans may apply to defer repayments for up to three months;

* Affected businesses can request loan restructuring without incurring the usual bank fees such as establishment fees and break costs;

* Affected credit card customers may apply to defer repayments to their card for up to 90 days;

* Customers wishing to purchase replacement goods may apply for a personal loan at a discounted interest rate with no establishment fee;

* Westpac may waive interest rate adjustments for affected customers wishing to withdraw term deposits; and

* Affected Westpac customers with Home and Contents insurance may be eligible to receive assistance under the terms of their insurance policies for emergency accommodation.

Westpac customers who wish to utilise these special relief measures or need assistance should contact Westpac Assist on phone 1800 067 497, or alternatively call their local Bank Manager. This offer is available for customers to take up within three months of today's date.

Insurance customers

All affected insurance customers should contact Westpac on 1300 369 989 so that we may assist. Claims can be lodged 24 hours a day, 7 days a week by calling this number.