Disability Group Vows to Continue Fight Against Bank Fees

Disability group Disabled Peoples International (Australia) has been trying to obtain an injunction against the Commonwealth Bank's new fees, which they claim discriminate against blind and physically disabled people. The group argues that the fees make it more expensive for individuals to conduct transactions over the counter, rather than through an ATM. Despite an initial setback, the group is determined to continue fighting the case, which is expected to be heard by the Human Rights Commission in the first half of this year.

Key Takeaways:

• The Disabled Peoples International (Australia) group has applied to the Human Rights Commission for an interim injunction against the Commonwealth Bank's new fees, which they claim discriminate against blind and physically disabled people.
• The group argues that the fees make it more expensive for individuals to conduct transactions over the counter, rather than through an ATM, and that this discriminates against those who cannot use ATMs.
• The group's executive director, Mr Chris Vevers, stated that they will also ask the Federal Government to place restrictions on bank licences to prevent banks from imposing fees that cause undue hardship.
• The Australian Bankers Association's executive director, Mr Alan Cullen, argues that banks have the right to set their charges as they see fit and should not be dictated by social issues.
• The Law Institute of Victoria's head of administration-law section, Mr Stephen Newman, warned that if the disabled group wins the case, it will have serious ramifications for the banking industry.
• A meeting between consumer and disability groups to discuss bank fees and charges has been scheduled for February 10.

Statistics:

• The number of people who are blind or have a physical disability, who are affected by the Commonwealth Bank's new fees, is not specified in the source material.
• The exact number of banks that will be affected if the disabled group wins the case is also not specified.
• The exact date of the alleged meeting between consumer and disability groups to discuss bank fees and charges is on February 10.

Sources:

• Byline: CATHY GOWDIE, "Australia's main disability organisation has failed in its attempt to obtain an injunction against the Commonwealth Bank's new fees"
• A spokeswoman for the federal Minister for Consumer Affairs, Mrs Jeanette McHugh
• Mr Chris Vevers, executive director of Disabled Peoples International (Australia)
• Mr Alan Cullen, executive director of the Australian Bankers Association
• Mr Stephen Newman, head of the Law Institute of Victoria's administration-law section