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Media Release

Commonwealth Bank activates Emergency Assistance Package for customers affected by South Australian and Victorian bushfires

Assistance for customers affected by SA and Vic bushfires

04 January 2015

The Commonwealth Bank has activated its Emergency Assistance Package for customers and businesses affected by the bushfires in South Australia and Victoria.

“The loss and devastation from the bushfires is heartbreaking and we would like to do what we can for our affected customers and community members at this difficult time”, CBA South Australia Regional General Manager Craig Brooke said.

“We have established a dedicated phone line to assist those who may need to discuss their circumstances with us and our staff are on hand to help discuss available options. If you need assistance or advice, from Monday morning, please call 1300 720 814 or visit a branch.”

The Commonwealth Bank will also be donating $500,000 to the South Australian Emergency Relief Fund and will be accepting donations from the public in its branches.

Special arrangements are in place to provide support to our Commonwealth Bank and CommInsure customers should they need it, and our staff are ready to assist them promptly with their financial concerns and enquiries.

There are a number of options available as part of the Bank’s Emergency Assistance Package, not limited to: 

  • For CommInsure customers whose homes have been damaged by the fire, emergency accommodation assistance is available;
  • Customised assistance to Commonwealth Bank home loan, credit card and personal loan customers who may experience difficulties because of the fires;
  • Loan restructuring for business customers with existing loans, without incurring the usual bank establishment fees;
  • Considering requests for additional loans (including emergency credit limit increases) where, based on our enquiries, the customer could meet the additional repayments without financial difficulty;
  • Expediting claims to CommInsure for customers seeking help through their home, contents and motor vehicle insurance;
  • Waiving prepayment charges over the next month for affected customers wishing to access term deposits and Commonwealth Investment Bonds ahead of the maturity date and;
  • Waiving branch service fees where the customer is looking to obtain a service from the Bank as a result of the disaster.