Major bank reverses branch closure decision following KAP negotiations
May 11, 2023
REGIONAL North Queenslanders have been provided the guarantee of physical bank branches, previously slated for closure, following Katter’s Australian Party’s (KAP) negotiations with a major operator.
Westpac has reversed its decision to close branches in Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry, after it had stated in February the three venues would cease operating mid-May.
Following immediate backlash from the North Queensland communities and the KAP MPs, the major bank then agreed to “pause” its branch closures to engage in discussions, before it announced on Monday it would continue operating at Tully, Ingham and Cloncurry.
“This decision follows discussions with our customers, and community leaders such as yourself,” a Westpac spokesman said in a statement to Kennedy MP Bob Katter.
“I hope this decision gives you and your community certainty,” he said.
Mr Katter said he praised Westpac for its decision, ensuring regional Queenslanders would continue to have access to the essential service.
“Without banking there is no economy – you don’t have a local bank, you don’t have a local economy,” Mr Katter said.
“Banks create money and wealth providing an essential service, and if private corporations want to restrict the growth of regional Queensland, then we’ll establish our own people’s bank.
KAP leader and Traeger MP Robbie Katter said he was happy with the result of “this one battle” but there were larger issues that needed addressing.
“The banks have no legal obligation to lend to rural, regional, and remote communities and in many cases they don’t, or they apply far more stringent lending criteria than they do in the cities, and that’s why we’re calling for a state-owned people’s bank to facilitate economic prosperity and rural and regional growth,” he said.
“A bit like our governments, the banks often don’t tend to see the ‘value’ of areas located out of the major city radius.
KAP Member for Hill Shane Knuth said it was great news that the Tully Westpac Branch would not close.
“Many Tully residents expressed their concern to me over the last few months as a lot of the elderly don’t have access to online banking,” Mr Knuth said.
“The least they could do is provide their service to communities in regional and rural areas with direct one on one contact which also provides local jobs in that community.”
KAP deputy leader and Hinchinbrook MP Nick Dametto said the decision by Westpac to keep the Ingham branch open was a landmark win for banking customers seeking a reasonable level of service delivery from their financial institution.
“I commend Westpac for the decision to keep Ingham’s branch open. If Westpac’s closure had gone ahead, it would have been the fourth bank to abandon Ingham since 2018.
“Regardless of Westpac’s decision to remain open, the fight is not over. The federal senate inquiry into regional bank closures will continue and I look forward to attending the public hearing scheduled to take place in Ingham on the 18th of May.
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“Hopefully the result of the inquiry will lead to legislative reform that deter other banks abandoning the regions in the future.”
The weekly summaries include the legislative and policy movements within Parliament as well as happenings around the electorate and Bob's position on the big issues facing Australia. KATTER’S CHIEFS WEEKLY WRAP AUSTRALIA’S DEPENDENCE ON FUEL IMPORTS MUST STOP We must build Australian oil refineries and convert our sugar mills to produce ethanol Our fuel can, and should, be made in Australia and affordable. πΎβοΈ π« STOP YOUR STUPID ADS AND FIX OUR FRI#^*N MOBILE RECEPTION π« Our regions are being DISCONNECTED due to a bungled 3G to 5G switchover. Telstra has an UNIVERSAL SERVICE OBLIGATION. So, stop spending millions on stupid ads and deliver this essential service!!!! π₯π¦πΊ MIGRATION MUST STOP π¦πΊπ₯ March on 31 August, not because of hate, but because we LOVE our country. All future migrants MUST VALUE the Australian way of life and belief system. π°BANKING BANDITS ABANDON THE NORTH π° Closures of Bendigo Bank branches at Tully and Malanda are a devastating blow. WE MUST KEEP OUR BANKING SERVICES, PROVIDING A PEOPLES BANK AT POST OFFICES. π₯³π Happy Birthday, Karl Stefanovic π π₯³ Karl’s a Crack Clay Shot and a good bloke. π₯βοΈπ€ πΎ π» HUGHENDEN, JULIA CREEK - LANDS OF OPPORTUNITY Yarns with salt of the earth legends who are the true meaning of “community”. ππ80TH ANNIVERSARY OF VICTORY IN THE PACIFICππ We MUST NOT forget. We must teach in our schools the stories of the people that died to prevent the invasion of their country.
Federal Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter has today paid tribute to the late Sir Leo Hielscher in the Federation Chamber of Parliament, ahead of the revered public servant’s state funeral to be held in Brisbane tomorrow. “Queensland was once the Cinderella state of Australia,” Mr Katter said. “We had virtually no coalmining, very little mineral wealth, few cattle, we had nothing. And then Joh Bjelke-Petersen became Premier, with Sir Leo Hielscher by his side, the transformation began.” Mr Katter credited Hielscher’s leadership and bold economic vision as the catalyst for Queensland becoming the world’s largest coal-exporting region, a global copper and aluminium powerhouse, and home to quadrupled agricultural output. “These were men who strained every nerve, muscle and sinew to build a better life for Queenslanders. That's how they were driven, not to save the planet or for some other ideological pursuit—which future generations will laugh at on a grand scale. No; these people were serious people.” In Parliament, Mr Katter recalled the visionary infrastructure programs driven by Hielscher, including massive investments in coal ports, railway lines, and power stations. “They built the biggest power station in the world at Gladstone and fuelled it with free coal. That gave us the cheapest electricity on Earth, and one of the biggest aluminium industries on Earth.” Reflecting on Sir Leo’s legacy, Katter said: “Public servants, normally, are bad. They do terrible things; they stop anything from happening and they make our lives miserable. There are very rare exceptions; Leo Hielscher was one of them. He made things happen. Two of the six biggest bridges in Australia are named after him, and rightly so.” In September 2023, Mr Katter had the privilege of tabling in Parliament Sir Leo Hielscher’s blueprint to achieve “the Australian Dream”, The Great Queensland Dividing Range Scheme, to irrigate and flourish inland Australia and make these communities rich and diverse in their productivity. “These were truly great men. These were men of freedom, vision and action. If you went in there with some restrictions and petty little rules and regulations, you would have been laughed out of their offices. Sir Leo Hielscher leaves behind an extraordinary legacy one that built modern Queensland.” ENDS
KATTER’S Australian Party Federal MP Bob Katter has welcomed the resignation of Powerlink’s CEO Paul Simshauser. Particularly if it means that somebody might actually take the bull by the horns and build the vital CopperString electricity link between Townsville and Mount Isa. “Two and a half years after the CopperString decision was approved – and still not a single order completed for the copper wire or the steel for the pylons,” Mr Katter said. “When I had the responsibility under the Bjelke-Petersen government, I built the transmission line from Cairns to Normanton in three years – and that was without the billions being thrown around today.” “I’m sick to death of Brisbane bureaucrats being paid an extortionate amount of taxpayers money to sit on their backsides and do nothing,” lamented Mr Katter.
FEDERAL Member for Kennedy, Bob Katter, has slammed Prime Minister Anthony Albanese’s plan to recognise a Palestinian state at the UN in September, calling it “dangerous” and “not an Australian position.” “Israel is surrounded by over a million people in Muslim countries, many of which are committed to the destruction of Israel and the Jewish people. “We are told Israel’s retaliation has gone too far. But you can’t start a fight and then cry foul when there is backlash,” Mr Katter lamented. Mr Katter said the influence of “extreme Middle Eastern diaspora politics” on Western governments was growing rapidly, citing the situation in the UK, France and Canada. “France is almost under their political control, and a significant number of MPs in the UK Parliament have Middle Eastern backing. “If you think this won’t happen here in Australia, then think again. The Liberal and Labor parties have flung open the doors, allowing hundreds of thousands of migrants into Australia with no plan for assimilation. They are from countries with no democracy, no rule of law, no egalitarian traditions and a history of religious persecution. Migrants, many of which, are unable or unwilling to adopt our values and traditions bringing the problems of the countries they fled from onto our shores. “These are not small numbers. Many settle down in ethnic enclaves in Sydney and Melbourne and never become ‘Australians’ in any real sense.” The Member for Kennedy emphasised that his comments were not aimed at the Islamic religion, pointing to Australia’s strong relationship with Indonesia. “Our nearest neighbour, Indonesia, is overwhelmingly Muslim, and they are some of the best people I have dealt with in 50 years of public life. This is about history, values and behaviour. The Middle East has been in almost continuous warfare for 1,400 years. The only time they saw any peace was under the Crusaders.” Mr Katter said history made the choice clear. “On one side you have the Jewish people – persecuted for thousands of years yet thriving in a democracy that respects the rule of law. On the other, you have a region with an unbroken record of persecution against those of other beliefs. The Prime Minister and Penny Wong are dead wrong on this one. Australia should stand with Israel.” ENDS
BOB Katter the Federal Member for Kennedy, is hopeful that today’s “innovation and technology” roundtable, will result in some real solutions to the current crisis in Mount Isa and broader issues with metal processing in Australia. "Minister Ayres is talking the talk. We now need him to walk the walk," said Mr Katter. "Mount Isa, indeed, Australia's economic future hangs in the balance. Metal processing is the backbone of our economic prosperity, particularly if we are to become more than the world's quarry." "We must have a national plan for processing our minerals onshore,” Mr Katter stated. "Government should immediately move legislation to provide for a thriving metal processing industry. " "This should include ‘Use it or Lose it’ legislation to stop stock traders sitting on our mineral reserves and a ‘Reserve Resource Policy’ to retain our resources for our use at a cheap price." "Bailing out greedy multinationals should be off the table, but government must take some responsibility to allow companies to not only survive but thrive. " “If we lose Mount Isa, we lose the backbone of North West Queensland. And make no mistake – talk won’t save it. Only action will,” said Mr Katter. ENDS
KENNEDY MP Bob Katter has paid an emotional tribute following the passing of Sir Leo Hielscher, describing the former Under Treasurer and architect of Queensland’s modern economy as a “giant of history” and “one of the greatest builders this state has ever known.” “Queensland’s greatest titan has fallen,” Mr Katter said. “Sir Leo Hielscher – and I use the word ‘Sir’ with absolute reverence – left behind a state that was forever changed by his courage, clarity and commitment to building something better for future generations” Mr Katter said that while many in public life are remembered for speeches or slogans, Sir Leo will be remembered for building ports, railways, power stations, and an entire industry base – and with it, the prosperity of Queensland. “When Leo entered government, Queensland was a net importer of coal. Eleven years later, we were the biggest coal-exporting state on Earth. He was the financial engine behind the infrastructure boom – 6,000 kilometres of rail, massive ports at Gladstone, Bowen and Mackay and major dams and power stations that fuelled the state’s growth.” Mr Katter stated. Sir Leo served as Under Treasurer for nearly three decades and was instrumental in the states industrial rise under Premier Joh Bjelke-Petersen. Mr Katter acknowledges both men as pivotal, noting their legacy should be recognised in a permanent way. “If we built statues in Queensland, then two giants deserve them – Joh Bjelke-Petersen and Sir Leo Hielscher. They were Titans of the economy. They didn’t just talk. They built” Mr Katter recalled the legendary story of Leo’s uncompromising economic vision when a major mining company approached the state government seeking to export raw bauxite. “Leo laughed in their face. He said: ‘We don’t export bauxite – we export aluminium.’ That set the stage for what became one of the world’s largest aluminium production hubs at Gladstone. He backed it with the cheapest power in the word, thanks to a 1,500-megawatt power station, government-owned, run on free coal, with negligible labour and debt costs.” Describing his youth, Mr Katter said he was one of many Queenslanders whose life was changed by the wave of prosperity that Sir Leo helped usher in. “Every Queenslander owes a significant debt to Sir Leo. Thank you for your service.” ENDS
"Let me be quite clear; we don't bail out foreign billionaires," Mr Katter stated. "Just down the road in Cloncurry, another copper mine, Ernest Henry, has recently announced record-breaking profits. Glencore was the former operator of this mine and got rid of it, claiming it wasn't profitable. That should give you a very clear picture of how incapable Glencore really is. "I have said it repeatedly, if Glencore cannot make the Mount Isa copper smelter work on their own, the government should step in; not to throw money at what appears to be 'spectacular mismanagement', but to take control of the asset. "This smelter is a vital piece of Australian industry, and government needs to act - swiftly and decisively," Mr Katter said. Government must immediately: (1) Reserve a portion of domestic production for domestic processing and manufacturing to ensure a national benefit, and (2) Implement 'use it or lose it' so that multi-national organisations can't sit on our mining assets to influence international stock markets. "We cannot compete with the Chinese when their governments build and own factories, provide subsidised power and don't require return on investment. Australia is already fighting an uphill battle; meanwhile, we are letting Glencore run riot and send our value offshore," Mr Katter warned. Mr Katter expressed confidence that the government was beginning to see the writing on the wall. "There is faith that this government will move to gain a stake in the copper smelter, not bail out the multi-national Glencore. If they want ownership partnerships, then it should come with government oversight, domestic processing guarantees and a binding commitment to Australian jobs. "It is an insult to all Australian taxpayers that a single cent of their money would be spent on a foreign-owned corporation that has recorded massive profits in other divisions while allowing for our critical infrastructure to wither and die. "A line in the sand must be drawn. Our assets must be retained for our benefit. Glencore can get with it or get out." ENDS
"This country used to have thriving industries: tobacco, peanuts, maize, flour, citrus, grapes, and about 30 major food lines. Each one smashed," Mr Katter said. "Now they tell me 46 per cent of Australia's fruit and vegetables come from overseas. You think the average Australian would believe their own government did this to them?" Katter pointed to the sugar industry as a textbook example of what's gone wrong. "Once upon a time, 23 of our 26 sugar mills were owned by local farmers. Now, go check it, every one of them is foreign-owned. The Nationals and Liberals gave away the industry under a so-called reform deal that handed over $270 million a year to reduce protections and open us to the mercy of the global market. Labor just rolled over and went along with it. "We are the only country on earth that sends our gladiators, our food producers, into the ring without a helmet and shield. The rest of the world? Their farmers are supported to the tune of 41 per cent of their income. In Australia? Four per cent. You think we're 36 per cent better farmers than the rest of the world? Give me a break." Mr Katter also condemned the hypocrisy of the federal government pouring $100 million into corporate giants like Bunnings and Officeworks to install EV chargers and solar panels [1] while regional food processors are shut down. "While they shovel public money into Bunnings, Woolworths, and Coles, who already mark-up fresh food by over 200 per cent, we're shutting down regional factories and family farms that feed the country. It's completely absurd." With the closure of Tolga's peanut processing facility, the Atherton Tablelands loses another key pillar of its agricultural base, putting growers, workers, and communities at risk. "We are rapidly losing the ability to feed ourselves," Mr Katter warned. "When the ports close, or China decides to flick the switch on exports, or international prices go up, we'll be sitting here naked, with no shield, no helmet, and no food." ENDS [1] www.theguardian.com/australia-news/2025/jun/28/australian-government-loans-100m-to-install-ev-chargers-and-solar-panels-at-bunnings-and-officeworks-stores
"I am informed that Glencore shut the Ernest Henry mine because they claimed it wasn't profitable," Mr Katter said. "Well, the current owners have done it at a record-breaking profit. That should give you a very clear picture of how incapable Glencore really is. "This is a flashing neon light as what I view as the sheer incompetence of Glencore's operations within this country," Mr Katter warned. The Ernest Henry operation, near Cloncurry, was sold to Evolution Mining in 2022. Under this new ownership, it has delivered significant returns and reinvestment in the local economy. The success of the new operators adds fuel to long-standing concerns about Glencore's stewardship of Australia's copper assets, especially the Mount Isa Mines copper smelter and mining operations. "If they cannot run Ernest Henry at a profit, and we can see that another company can do so with their eyes closed, then they have no business holding onto the copper mine or smelter," Mr Katter said. "It's high time they handed over the reins to people who know what they’re doing and are willing to invest in the long-term future of the Northwest Mineral Province." Katter has long argued for the national interest control of critical minerals infrastructure, saying multinationals, like Glencore, prioritise overseas shareholders over Australian workers and regional development. "What we are now seeing is proof that Australian-led enterprises can do what these foreign giants have refused to do: make it work, and make it work well." ENDS
“We applaud them,” Mr Katter said. “Since my grandfather’s time, which was a long time ago, we have been waiting for a railway line from the Northwest to the Gulf. They were building it once, but when they struck gold, they stopped at Julia Creek. “This company is doing what governments have failed to do for over a century – they’re getting on with the job, and I wholeheartedly applaud anyone involved,” Mr Katter stated. Mr Katter noted the use of light rail from Nardoo Station for part of the journey, dramatically reducing transport costs. Mr Katter also noted current reports indicate $5 per tonne is being spent to move raw materials – something light rail and water transport can reduce significantly. “Materials can be moved into the Leichhardt River Canals using the Panamax-class vessels. Once on water, freight costs are slashed dramatically. This isn’t a transport solution; it is a nation-building project. It opens up vast areas of untapped wealth, gives us the infrastructure we should have had generations ago, and puts Australian enterprise back in the driver’s seat,” Mr Katter observed. Mr Katter said he hoped all levels of government would support the initiative, but stressed that even without it, the private sector leadership shown here was a more than welcome change. “Too many times, we see bureaucrats and politicians sitting on their hands while regional Australia gets left behind. Well, these people aren’t waiting. They are building, and we should be backing them every step of the way.” ENDS
