Bankwest, as part of Commonwealth Bank, axes 58 roles as it transitions to becoming ‘digital only’

An Aussie bank has made another step towards becoming “digital only”, abruptly axing dozens of jobs as part of its transition.

Bankwest has announced another 58 job cuts as part of a broader cull by parent company Commonwealth Bank.

The latest round affects 58 roles at Bankwest and 105 across CBA, with the majority based in New South Wales.

The remaining cuts are spread across Victoria, Tasmania, Queensland and Western Australia.

A CBA spokesman described the move as part of a regular review of how the bank delivers “the best experiences and outcomes” for customers.

“Our priority is always to redeploy or re-skill for a new role or opportunity wherever possible,” they said, adding that CBA has brought on nearly 3,000 new hires since January.

It’s the second round of major lay-offs in as many months.

In March, CBA shed 164 jobs from its technology division. For Bankwest, the cuts come as it transitions into a “digital-only” bank.

Commonwealth Bank is Bankwest’s parent company. Britta Campion / The Australian

The WA lender closed its metro branch network last year, a move it said would streamline services and refocus on online customer experiences.

The latest redundancies include roles within the now-defunct 130-person “transition team” assembled to shift Bankwest’s business customers to CBA.

While more than 30 of those workers have secured ongoing roles within CBA in WA, 90 others are still navigating the redeployment process.

Bankwest says the current round of cuts is part of “re-forming teams around customer needs.”

A spokesman said the bank currently has more than 100 open roles in WA and will work with affected staff to connect them with reskilling programs and internal opportunities within the broader CBA group.

The FSU has requested an urgent meeting with WA Treasurer Rita Saffioti and said her office had committed to raising the issue directly with CBA.

Originally published as Bankwest, as part of Commonwealth Bank, axes 58 roles as it transitions to becoming ‘digital only’