Strong communities are financially resilient communities and thankfully this is something we recognised before the challenges of 2020 arose.

When we launched our Foundation Financial Inclusion Action Plan (FIAP) in August 2019, we had no way of knowing what lay ahead. The Australian bushfires and global pandemic have challenged and will continue to challenge the social and financial resilience of our communities in numerous ways.

Having a clear plan already under way to enhance financial inclusion for our customers, communities, employees, business partners and suppliers, allowed us to quickly and effectively respond to these challenges.

In many cases, this saw us accelerate and exceed a number of our commitments.

Highlights included:

  • Scaling up our recently launched Linkt Assist service to more than 40 at the height of the pandemic, enabling us to support more than 40,000 Australians with our toll credit scheme.
  • During the FIAP reporting period we provided $7.4 million of toll credits to those who needed them most, which rose to $10 million by the end of 2020
  • Paying our small business suppliers  within 14 days of receiving an invoice, halving our original commitment of 30 days.
  • Investing in new and existing community partnerships to strengthen the capacity of those who are supporting others, establishing a new relationship with The Smith Family, doubling the number of financial counselling scholarships provided to The Salvation Army and almost tripling the number of our community grants to support 65 local community organisations across Australia.

As an Australian-owned business and one of the world’s largest toll road operators, it was imperative we played a role in responding to the challenges of 2020. Our first Financial Inclusion Action Plan provided an excellent framework from which to do so.

Download a copy of our Foundation Action Plan (PDF) for further detail on our achievements.

From our newsroom

No articles found for the selected Keyword