More than 200 Bankwest staff will lose their jobs as dozens of branches are closed along Australia’s east coast.

Bankwest, owned by Commonwealth Bank Australia (CBA), says 29 branches will close over a three-week period from mid-August, leaving just 14 branches across the country.

The bank blames rapid changes in the digital space for the closures, saying customers are increasingly using mobile banking services over in-branch options.

It has promised to endeavour to find new roles for the 200 staff within CBA’s operations.

Former Standing Committee on Economics member and member for Page Kevin Hogan tells Ross Greenwood he’s “concerned” for small towns.

“We have got parents and grandparents who still don’t use computers.

“They need to cater for the full population and their full customer base and that means they cannot withdraw from all the places they are without offering a whole range of services different aged people can use.

“That’s their obligation.”

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