Media release, 1 July 1998
NFF TO PROVIDE VIEWS ON THE PROVISION OF RURAL FINANCIAL SERVICES
The National Farmers Federation (NFF) will appear before the House of
Representatives Financial Institutions Committee at a public hearing in
Canberra on Thursday as part of its wide ranging inquiry into alternative
banking for regional Australia.
David Hawker MP, Chairman of the Committee, said "Industry groups such
as the National Farmers Federation can play an important role in supporting
country communities on this issue."
"As the peak industry body for the rural sector, the NFF has been involved
with this issue for some time. In 1997 they commissioned a report with
the aim of identifying trends in the delivery of health, education and
banking services. They have also been running the On-Line Services Project
through Farmwide. The On-Line Services Project, which was started in 1996,
involves 1000 rural telecommunications users from around Australia and
is aimed at investigating the potential for on-line banking and other
services for rural Australians."
"The Committee is interested in seeking out the views of the NFF and
drawing on their experience with rural communities in order to find appropriate
and far-reaching solutions in providing banking services to rural and
remote Australia. They have collected some valuable information through
various projects which will benefit this inquiry."
Mr Hawker added "The Committee has so far been very successful in raising
the profile of this important issue. We are committed to finding the best
possible solutions for people in rural and remote areas. We are most interested
in canvassing as many alternatives as possible."
" Talking with organisations such as the National Farmers Federation
who are already working on the issue is another part of this inquiry."
Release ends
1 July 1998
Further information:
David Hawker MP (Chairman) 02 - 6277 4837
Janet Connaughton (Inquiry Secretary) 02 - 6277 2375
e-mail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
Program 2 July 1998
House of Representatives
Committee Room 2R2
Parliament House
CANBERRA
10.15 - 11.15 am National Farmers' Federation Australia
Mr Brendon Stewart, Vice President, NFF
Mr Todd Ritchie, Director, Economic Policy
Ms Rosie Simpson, Director, Farmwide
Secretariat contact details:
The Secretary
Standing Committee on Financial Institutions and Public Administration
R1.121
Parliament House
CANBERRA ACT 2600
Telephone: (02) 6277 4587
Facsimile: (02) 6277 4557
EMail: EFPA.Reps@aph.gov.au
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