09 January 2013: The Commonwealth Bank has today donated $100,000 to the Red Cross Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal to assist those affected by the devastating fires throughout Tasmania.

We understand the devastating effect these fires have had on Tasmanian communities, and we need to support the bushfire victims as much as possible during this time. In addition to activating our Emergency Assistance package we are supporting victims with a $100,000 donation to the Appeal," Lyn McGrath, Commonwealth Bank Executive General Manager Retail Sales said.

"Our support provides broader community support through the Red Cross Appeal donation as well as delivering our Tasmanian customers with options to assist them during the crisis."

The Bank activated its emergency assistance package for customers affected by the disaster over the weekend. Key features of the Bank's special assistance package include:

  • For customers who have their home insured through CommInsure and their homes have been damaged by the fire, emergency accommodation assistance is available;
  • providing tailored solutions and assistance to Commonwealth Bank home loan, credit card and personal loan customers who may experience difficulties because of the fires;
  • loan restructuring for business customers with existing loans, without incurring the usual bank establishment fees;
  • considering requests for additional loans (including emergency credit limit increases) where, based on our enquiries, the customer could meet the additional repayments without financial difficulty;
  • expediting claims to CommInsure for customers seeking help through their home, contents and motor vehicle insurance;
  • waiving prepayment charges over the next month for affected customers wishing to access term deposits, Commonwealth Investment Bonds and CBFC debentures ahead of the maturity date; and
  • waiving branch service fees where the customer is looking to obtain a service from the Bank as a result of the disaster.

"On behalf of all staff at the Commonwealth Bank our thoughts and best wishes are with Tasmanian's impacted by this natural disaster," Ms McGrath said.
Customers seeking assistance should call 13 2221.

Donations to the Australian Red Cross Society Tasmanian Bushfires Appeal can be made at any Commonwealth Bank branch.

- ENDS -

For further information please contact:
Tracy Hicks
Commonwealth Bank
T: 02 9118 6919 
M: 0478 306 055


Commonwealth Bank is proud to be a National Humanity Partner of the Australian Red Cross.


distributed by