Media Release: ANZ to provide NSW fire assistance

Document date:  Thu 27 Dec 2001
Published:  Thu 27 Dec 2001 11:12:16
Document No:  185340
Document part:  A
Market Flag:  N
Classification:  Other 

AUSTRALIA AND NEW ZEALAND BANKING GROUP       2001-12-27  ASX-SIGNAL-G

HOMEX - Melbourne                                                     

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MEDIA RELEASE

ANZ today announced a range of special measures to support the
community affected by bushfires in New South Wales and the ACT.

For customers affected by the bushfires, ANZ will offer to: 

* suspend repayments on all loans for three months

* waive fees associated with restructuring business loans considered
necessary due to bushfire impacts

* waive early withdrawal costs for term deposits 

* consider temporary adjustments to customer lending limits to assist
them cope financially with unexpected costs arising from the
bushfires.

ANZ will also make available a donation of $250,000 to bolster
community resources available to help those facing hardship following
the bushfires.

ANZ Group Managing Director Personal Financial Services, Mr Peter
Hawkins said the special arrangements were designed to provide
immediate relief to customers and assist the community to recover
from the bushfires.

Mr Hawkins encouraged customers affected by the bushfires to approach
the bank as soon as practical to discuss the likely impact of the
fires on their business or personal circumstances.

"We are committed to supporting the community and we will continue
our policy of case by case assessment of customer needs for further
financial assistance to help them recover from the disaster," Mr
Hawkins said.

Customers affected by the bushfires who wish to make use of these
arrangements should call ANZ's National Customer Service Centre on 13
13 14, or their local ANZ branch.

Members of the public wishing to support the community affected by
the bushfires can make donations to the NSW Bushfire Appeal at any
ANZ branch across Australia from today.

For media enquiries, contact

Rita Zonius 
MEDIA RELATIONS MANAGER 
Tel: 03-9273 6190 or 0409-655 551
Email zoniusr@anz.com