The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has sparked outrage after announcing it will close more than a dozen branches.
The move has been described by the union as ‘despicable’ after the bank made the announcement on Monday.
One branch will close in Western Australia, three in NSW, four in Victoria and six in Queensland.
They will close from February 19 to 27 this year.
‘BOQ has made the difficult decision to close 14 branches as we continue to simplify operations, and more customers embrace digital banking,’ a BOQ spokesperson said.
‘We are focused on supporting our people throughout this process and are pleased that most team members will transition to new roles across our network.
‘As our branch network evolves in line with our business priorities and growth corridors, we remain committed to providing our customers with exceptional service.’
Finance Sector Union national assistant secretary Jason Hall described the closures as a ‘truly despicable move’.
The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has sparked outrage after announcing it will close more than a dozen branches
‘Australians rely on local bank branches and no amount of corporate spin from banks can deny that fact,’ Mr Hall said.
‘Removing branches from local communities is a shameful act of betrayal by big businesses who care about their profit more than they care about delivering the local services banks used to be proud to provide to their customers.’
Since 2023, nine branches have been closed and the Finance Sector Union wants the federal government to step in to protect rural banking.
The BOQ shut its branch in Geraldton, in Western Australia, on Friday and the bank will close two more branches in Logan Central, in Queensland, on February 7, and Werribee, in Victoria, on February 13.
The BOQ has told its shareholders it would axe at least 400 jobs across the country to digitise operations.
The Queensland branches that are set to close are Caloundra, Carindale, Elanora, Sherwood, Springwood and Toowong.
The Victorian branches are Moonee Ponds, Richmond, Docklands, Hampton.
The Newtown, Bella Vista and Rockdale branches will shut up shop in NSW while the branch in Applecross will close in Western Australia.
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