The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) has sparked outrage after announcing it would close more than a dozen branches.
The move was described as “despicable” by the union 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 are closed this year from February 19 to 27.
“BOQ has made the difficult decision to close fourteen branches as we continue to simplify operations and more and more customers embrace digital banking,” a BOQ spokesperson said.
“We are focused on supporting our people through this process and are pleased that most team members will be transitioning to new roles within our network.
“As our office network evolves in line with our business priorities and growth corridors, we remain committed to providing exceptional service to our customers.”
National Assistant Secretary for Finance Jason Hall called the closures 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 bank corporate spin can deny that fact,” Mr Hall said.
“Removing branches from local communities is a shameful act of betrayal by major corporations who care more about their profits than delivering the local services that banks once proudly offered to their customers.”
Nine branches have closed since 2023 and the Finance Sector Union wants the federal government to intervene to protect rural banking.
The BOQ closed its Geraldton branch in Western Australia on Friday and the bank will close two more branches in Logan Central, Queensland, on February 7 and Werribee, Victoria, on February 13.
The BOQ has told its shareholders it would cut 400 jobs across the country to digitalise its operations.
A list of BOQ branches closing in February includes:
Queensland: Caloundra, Carindale, Elanora, Sherwood, Springwood, Toowong.
Victoria: Moonee Ponds, Richmond, Docklands, Hampton.
NSW: Newtown, Bella Vista, Rockdale.
Western Australia: Applecross
