ANZ shuts up shop

• ANZ bank officer Kail Hayes retiring with the closure of the Scottsdale branch.

March 24, 2021

After more than 17 years as a face of the ANZ Bank Scottsdale branch Kail Hayes has counted her last deposit.

She’s taking the retirement option after the branch’s closure last week.

The bank announced the closure last September and continued with the process despite an angry response from customers in the North-East.

It has meant the closest face-to-face banking local residents can have is in Kings Meadows or Launceston city.

At the time in was announced, ANZ General Manager for Tasmania Michael Wake said the decision to close was based on customers no longer using branches the way they used to.

“We see a 10 per cent decline in customer transactions every year. 

“While there is a clear trend of organisations moving online across Australia, including basic services such as Medicare and the Australian Taxation Office, we recognise the transition will be more challenging for some customers.”

The ANZ’s automatic teller machine has also been removed from King Street and customers have even fewer options as, unlike other banks, it doesn’t have a contract with Australia Post to carry out restricted transactions like depositing funds into their ANZ accounts.

The Legislative Council Member for McIntyre, Tania Rattray, whose electoral office is opposite the bank took to social media to berate the closure decision.

She thanked the ANZ branch employees for their commitment for the community.

“But it’s just another sign of the continuing loss of services to rural people.

“We have every right to expect a similar level of service as those throughout the State.

“People still use cheques. What a nonsense that people now will have to go into Launceston to bank a cheque,” she said. 

Mrs Hayes said she might have retired about now anyway, but the closure made the decision easier.

“I’ve got no plans really just to go into holiday mode.” 

A stream of customers in the last days of the branch’s operation wished staff the best for their futures.

Other than Mrs Hayes, staff members are on maternity leave in one instance or have to find alternative employment.