Ombudsman welcomes banks’ decision to extend loan deferrals

THE Australian Small Business and Family Enterprise Ombudsman Kate Carnell said thousands of COVID-impacted small businesses will be relieved by the Australian Banking Association’s (ABA) loan deferral extension announced today.

The ABA said banks would extend deferred loans for small businesses that are still struggling for an extra four months, potentially helping as many as 800,000 borrowers with deferred loans worth an estimated $260 billion.

The initiative has been agreed to by APRA and ASIC, which have made a collective effort to support those facing financial hardship as a result of the pandemic.

“Small business owners who have been worried about how they will repay their loans come September, will be breathing a huge sigh of relief today,” Ms Carnell said.

“I would encourage small businesses who are experiencing financial difficulties, to call their banks now to make the necessary arrangements.

“With hundreds of small businesses now facing another devastating six weeks of lockdown in parts of Victoria, it’s clear that this is not over and the path to recovery will be prolonged.

“Small businesses are going to need further support, such as the loan deferral extensions announced today," Ms Carnell said.

“As we navigate this unprecedented crisis, it’s encouraging to see our banks are taking this proactive and flexible approach.

“We want to see as many small businesses survive this difficult time as possible. The ABA announcement today is an important piece of that puzzle.”

www.asbfeo.gov.au

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