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Tax time often means Australians have more contact from the Australian Taxation Office (ATO) or myGov, something scammers are quick to exploit. "Scammers target tax season because they know people expect to hear from official agencies, so they use fake messages about unexpected refunds or urgent debts to trick you into sharing personal details or to make payments,” the Customer Owned Banking Association’s (COBA) Head of Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience Martin Latimer said. To help you protect your money and personal information this tax season, COBA’s Financial Crimes and Cyber Resilience team shares common tax scams to watch for, the warning signs to look out for, and simple steps you can take to stay safe.   ATO impersonation scams Tax scams often involve scammers impersonating trusted government services, including the ATO, myGov and myID. They may contact you by phone, email, SMS, social media or fake websites, trying to trick you into sharing personal information such as your tax file number (TFN), myGov username, password or bank details. Scammers may also send phishing messages that include suspicious links, QR codes or attachments designed to steal your information or install malicious software. If you are unsure whether contact is genuine, do not reply, click links or download attachments. To combat tax time scams, the ATO has launched a verify call feature in the ATO app to help taxpayers confirm, in real time, whether a call claiming to be from the ATO is genuine. If you receive a call from someone claiming to be from the ATO, open the ATO app, log in and select verify call. If the app does not confirm the call, treat it as suspicious and hang up.   Urgency, threats and pressure tactics Scammers rely on pressure to make people act before they have time to think. Be wary of messages or calls that threaten arrest, legal action, account suspension or cancellation of your tax file number, or that tell you not to speak with your tax agent. Stay calm, end the interaction and verify the claim independently through official channels. Demands for payment by gift cards, cryptocurrency or unusual methods Scammers often create fear and urgency by claiming there is a warrant for your arrest, an unpaid tax debt or an immediate fine. They may ask you to pay using gift cards, cryptocurrency, cash delivery, prepaid cards or personal or offshore bank accounts. These payment methods are difficult to trace and are a major red flag. The ATO will never ask you to pay a tax debt or fine using gift cards, cryptocurrency or other unusual payment methods.   Requests for an ‘admin fee’ to receive a refund Another common scam involves a call, email, or message claiming you are entitled to a refund for overpaid tax. The scammer may pretend to be from the ATO or another government body and claim you need to pay an administration fee or an upfront cost before your refund can be released. The ATO will never ask you to pay a fee to receive a tax refund.   What to do if something feels suspicious Always remember to “Stop. Check. Protect.” If you receive a suspicious call, SMS, email or social media message, do not reply, click links, download attachments or share personal information. If you encounter a potential scam, report it to Scamwatch to help protect others. If you have shared information or lost money, contact your bank or financial institution immediately and report the incident through official channels. Customer-owned banks are committed to safeguarding customers from scams and fraud. In November 2023, the sector joined forces to launch the Scam-Safe Accord with the Australian Banking Association. This industry-wide initiative reflects a united effort to disrupt scammers, strengthen consumer protection and help Australians stay safer online.   Need help? If you believe someone has gained access to your bank account and/or personal information, even if the scam appears unrelated to your finances, you should contact your bank immediately. A timely response can be critical. If you have concerns about your account contact us immediately. You can report cybercrime directly to the Australian Cyber Security Centre (ACSC) or National Anti-Scam Centre (NASC) – Scamwatch. Find out how scams work, how to protect yourself, what to do if you’ve been scammed or report a scam to the Australian Competition and Consumer Commission (ACCC) via Scamwatch. Change your passwords and enable two-factor authentication to protect your accounts. As always, we remain committed to your security and privacy online. To understand how we help to keep you safe, please refer to our Security page. For more information on common scams and how to protect yourself, please visit the News section of our website.

  Unity Bank unveils new brand identity, bringing members together under one united future Unity Bank today announced the launch of its new brand identity, marking a significant milestone in the organisation’s evolution as a leading customer-owned bank. The new brand brings together the strengths, heritage and shared values of its member communities under a single, modern Unity Bank identity.The new brand reflects Unity Bank’s commitment to delivering a simpler, more connected banking experience while remaining true to its customer-owned principles. The launch introduces a contemporary visual identity, enhanced digital experiences and a unified approach designed to better serve members across Australia.“Our new brand represents more than a new look – it reflects who we are, what we stand for and where we are headed,” said Rosanna Argall, Chief Executive Officer of Unity Bank. “As a customer-owned bank, our focus remains firmly on our members. This new identity positions us to deliver even greater value, innovation and service while preserving the personal relationships and community focus that define Unity Bank.”The new brand came together after an exhaustive process of focus groups with members, non-members and employees and follows the successful integration of all systems following the merger in March 2025.  The launch also reflects Unity Bank’s vision of creating a stronger, more efficient organisation capable of investing in better products, enhanced digital capabilities and improved member experiences.Key features of the new brand include: A modern visual identity designed to reflect the values and heritage of three strong legacy brands A unified online and mobile banking experience Enhanced accessibility and streamlined member interactions Continued commitment to enhancing our impact on our members, our communities and the planet Ongoing investment in innovative banking solutions While the brand identity is changing, Unity Bank’s core purpose remains unchanged: helping members achieve their financial goals and our commitment to ‘standing with you’ no matter what and always being there to support our members on their financial journey.“This is an exciting new chapter for our organisation,” added Rosanna Argall. “We are building on a strong legacy while creating a stronger future for our members, communities and employees.”The new Unity Bank brand will be rolled out across digital channels, branches, communications and member touchpoints progressively from 11 June 2026. Rosanna ArgallChief Executive Officer

Members are advised of updates to our Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions, effective 11 June 2026.   Key changes include: New brand contact details and other references to naming to accommodate the consolidation of our three brands. New information for upcoming requirements involving Comprehensive Credit Reporting. Further information will be provided on this in due course. New information for Biometric Identification to accommodate new functionality making it easier for members to complete online verification of identity. New section for Visa Click to Pay, a new secure online checkout option coming soon for members. Updates to Vulnerable Members section to expand our support for affected members. ​ While we have provided an overview of the key changes, we recommend you take the time to read through the updated Account and Access Facilities Terms and Conditions to familiarise yourself with the changes and understand how they may impact you.   By using your account and access facilities after the date the changes take effect, you agree to the updated terms and conditions applying.   We’re ready to help you If you have any questions or concerns, please contact us.

Sustainable House Day takes place on 17 May this year, encouraging Australians to explore practical ways to create more energy-efficient and environmentally friendly homes. The annual event provides the opportunity to visit sustainable homes across the country, highlighting how simple changes can reduce environmental impact while improving comfort and lowering household costs. For more information, refer to: Sustainable House Day website. Sustainable House Day began in 1994 as Solar House Day, showing early solar homes. As time progressed and technology improved, the event expanded to energy efficiency, electrification, passive design, materials and climate resilience. As climate concerns and rising energy prices continue to shape conversations about the future, Sustainable House Day encourages homeowners, renters and communities to think differently about how homes are built, renovated, and maintained. Whether it’s a newly designed eco-home or a small apartment with smarter energy choices, every step towards sustainability can make a difference. One of the most effective ways to make a home more sustainable is by installing solar panels and batteries, which help households generate and store renewable energy to help reduce their electricity bills. Other energy-saving upgrades, including LED lighting, energy-efficient appliances, and improved insulation, can also significantly reduce heating, cooling and energy costs throughout the year. Water-saving features are another important part of sustainable living. Rainwater tanks, solar or energy efficient hot water systems, low-flow taps and water-efficient gardens with drought-resistant or native plants can help households reduce water use while creating outdoor spaces better suited to Australia’s climate. Thoughtful home design can also improve sustainability. Natural ventilation, double-glazed windows and maximising natural sunlight can help create homes that are more comfortable and energy-efficient year-round. Using sustainable or recycled building materials during renovations can further minimise environmental impact. Reducing household waste is another important step towards sustainable living. Composting food scraps, recycling correctly and choosing reusable products over single-use plastics are small but meaningful actions that can collectively make a significant difference. For members looking to invest in sustainable home improvements, our Green Upgrades Loan can help make these changes more accessible. Whether you’re installing solar panels, upgrading to energy-efficient appliances or making other environmentally friendly improvements, read more about our Green Upgrades Loan product. We’re helping to support more sustainable choices for your home and your future. Mutually valuable banking for people and planet As a member focused, values-driven organisation, acting responsibly and ethically is at the heart of our operations. We are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value and strive to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of. It is this sentiment that underpins our Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) Strategy - Mutually valuable banking for people and planet. We are always looking for ways to minimise the impact our business operations, and our products and financing have on the environment.Our head office was refurbished to improve efficiency and wellbeing and as part of our commitment to waste reduction, we repurposed much of our existing furniture. Remaining items were made available to staff or donated to Barnardos Australia’s child and family centres and Planet Ark’s City Recycling program.Newly installed water systems, upgraded lighting and presentation technology were selected to reduce resource consumption and improve energy efficiency. This complemented the office’s comprehensive four-bin recycling system for dry-waste, organics, recyclables, and paper - to help prevent contamination, reduce waste and minimise landfill.  We have also undertaken a Greenhouse Gas Assessment to better understand our emissions and identify reduction opportunities, completing our submission to Climate Active, an Australian Government program driving voluntary climate action. Last year, we offset 1,847 tCO2-e using 80% Verified Carbon Units (VCUs) and 20% Australian Carbon Credit Units (ACCUs).Our Responsible Banking Policy guides our approach to lending and investing with respect to our ESG Strategy. It outlines how our members’ money is being used to contribute to a positive, viable banking model focused on meeting human needs and sustainability.We believe sustainable choices should also be affordable choices. Our Green Car Loan and Green Upgrades Loan are the latest additions to our impact product suite, making it easier for our members to take meaningful steps toward reducing emissions and saving on energy costs.Through our ESG Strategy, we have delivered a number of impact initiatives including recycled PVC cards and environmentally conscious collateral, accessible and inclusive service enhancements, our Essential Worker Home Loan, and Worker Support Benefits.

Every year on 12 May, International Nurses Day recognises the vital role nurses play around the world. It’s a chance to acknowledge a profession at the centre of healthcare, delivering skilled, compassionate care at every stage of life. The date marks Florence Nightingale’s birthday, honouring the woman whose work helped shape modern nursing into the respected profession it is today. The 2026 theme, “Empowered Nurses Save Lives,” highlights how better support for nurses leads to stronger care and healthier communities. Nurses are at the heart of healthcare, treating patients, monitoring progress, coordinating services and advocating for those in their care. To do their jobs well, nurses need the right support: ongoing training, the right staffing, strong leadership and workplaces that prioritise wellbeing. When these are in place, they can provide high-quality, person-centred care and respond to increasingly complex health needs. Nurses also play a broader role across the health system from preventing illness to managing chronic conditions, helping reduce pressure on hospitals and improve overall care. International Nurses Day 2026 serves as a reminder that genuine support truly matters. Investing in nurses is essential for stronger healthcare and better outcomes for everyone.Award-winning support for nurses As a member-focused, values-driven organisation, we are committed to the ongoing promotion and creation of mutual value, striving to make a positive impact for our members and the communities we are part of. Our Essential Worker Home Loan is a low interest, variable rate home loan specifically designed to recognise the contribution essential workers, like nurses, make to the community by supporting their home ownership journey with a value and feature packed product. Independently recognised as winner of the 2024 Finder Innovation Award in the Social Impact Innovation category and with three 2025 Mozo Experts Choice Awards, our Essential Worker Home Loan demonstrates our commitment to support those who support others.                                                It’s our way of saying ‘thank you’ to essential workers for the work they do in always serving our community.  

On Tuesday 5 May 2026, the Reserve Bank of Australia (RBA) announced an increase of 0.25%p.a. to the official cash rate.Following this, we have reviewed the interest rates applicable to our variable and fixed rate home loans and advise that the rates will increase by up to 0.25%p.a. for new loans effective from 14 May 2026, with increases of up to 0.25%p.a. for existing variable rate mortgage holders effective from 23 June 2026. Members with a loan account will be advised individually of any change to their interest rate and minimum repayments. Our variable savings rates including Bonus Saver Account will increase by up to 0.25%p.a. effective from 1 June 2026. Whilst changes to the RBA cash rate is one of the factors that informs our pricing decisions, there are other factors that we consider such as economic and market conditions, cost to lend and the competitor landscape. This helps us to assess and to continue to offer competitive rates to our members. If you would like further information on any of our products or services, please review the information on our website or contact us to see how we can help.