What's in it for Koories? Barwon Darling Alliance Credit Union and the delivery of financial and banking services in north-west New South Wales

Issues relating to Indigenous people's access to, and understanding of banking and other financial services are critical to their ability to participate in the economy, thereby improving their general quality of life and in the longer term, assisting in the reduction of welfare dependence. Indigenous people's comparatively low incomes and reliance on welfare payments have contributed to a limited interaction with banking and financial services. This report considers the proposed involvement of ATSIC Murdi Paaki Regional Council as a joint sponsor of the proposed Barwon Darling Alliance (BDA) Credit Union. It examines the banking and financial service delivery needs of Indigenous people in the Bourke, Brewarrina and Walgett region of New South Wales and other relevant issues that could form the basis for negotiating such an involvement. Discussion includes the effects of the deregulation of the banking / financial sector, and current availability of banking and financial services in regional and remote areas.