Opposition Leader and Moore MLA Shane Love condemns Westpac over Carnamah closure

State Opposition Leader and Moore MLA Shane Love has taken an opportunity in State Parliament to condemn Westpac after the bank followed through with the closure of its Carnamah branch. Mr Love slammed the bank in a statement made in Parliament on Thursday, claiming Westpac did not listen to the community or assess the impact its actions would have. Westpac closed its Carnamah branch on Friday, despite pleas from the Shire of Carnamah to stay. “The Australian Banking Association say customers remain at the centre of all that banks do,” Mr Love said “Knowing that Westpac did not engage or consult with the Carnamah community over the closure of this branch, I beg to differ.” Mr Love said the bank had shown a “total disregard” for the regional customers and the values of accessibility and inclusivity. The Member for Moore suggested Westpac and other banks were rushing to close regional banks now before it potentially became a requirement, later this year, for banks to produce assessments of the impact their closures would have. Mr Love commended members of the community who had tried to make their opposition to the move heard, including the Shire. “The Shire of Carnamah have left no stone unturned in highlighting the detrimental impact of Westpac’s withdrawal,” he said.