Australia announces 'most significant' credit reforms in decade

Canberra: The Australian government on Friday announced that it would abolish lending laws imposed on banks which were introduced in 2009 to increase the flow of credit. Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced that the government would transfer due diligence obligations for loans from lenders to borrowers, effectively dumping responsible lending laws and injecting an "adrenaline shot" into the economy, Xinhua news agency.

Under the changes, lenders will no longer be penalized if borrowers provide misleading information on their loan applications, speeding up the credit approval process as Australia endures its first recession in 29 years.

"The Morrison government is implementing the most significant reforms to Australia's credit framework in a decade to increase the flow of credit to households and businesses, reduce red tape and strengthen protections for vulnerable consumers," Frydenberg said in a statement.

"As Australia continues to recover from the Covid-19 pandemic, it is more important than ever that there are no unnecessary barriers to the flow of credit to households and small businesses.

"By simplifying the loan application process for borrowers it will reduce barriers to switching between credit providers, encouraging consumers to seek out a better deal. "Maintaining the free flow of credit through the economy is critical to Australia's economic recovery plan," he added.

According to the Treasurer, households and businesses will have access to A$130 billion ($91.6 billion) in new credit each month. The new system will also include greater protections for low-income owners and welfare recipients who are vulnerable to extortionist conditions from payday lenders.

Frydenberg's announcement comes after the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) warned of a credit freeze with banks too scared to lend during the pandemic. The proposed reforms, which will need to be legislated in Parliament, have been welcomed by the banks but slammed by consumer advocates who say they will burden more Australians with debt they cannot afford.