The Bank of Queensland (BOQ) will shut 14 branches across Australia, in a move that union members are calling “despicable”.

Those branches — one in Western Australia, three in New South Wales, four in Victoria and six in Queensland — will close from February 19 to 27 this year.

“BOQ has made the difficult decision to close 14 branches as we continue to simplify operations, and more customers embrace digital banking,” a BOQ spokesperson said.

“We are focused on supporting our people throughout this process, and are pleased that most team members will transition to new roles across our network.

“As our branch network evolves in line with our business priorities and growth corridors, we remain committed to providing our customers with exceptional service.”

The Finance Sector Union has called the closures a “truly despicable move”. 

“Australians rely on local bank branches and no amount of corporate spin from banks can deny that fact,” Finance Sector Union National Assistant Secretary Jason Hall said.

“Removing branches from local communities is a shameful act of betrayal by big businesses who care about their profit more than they care about delivering the local services banks used to be proud to provide to their customers.”

Hall called on the federal government to step in and establish regulations to protect rural banking.

According to the union, BOQ shut its branch in Geraldton in Western Australia on Friday. 

The bank has previously announced the closure of two more branches; Logan Central in Queensland on February 7 and Werribee in Victoria on February 13.

Since 2023, a total of nine branches have been closed. 

BOQ branches to be closed in February