ABA head did not consult Morrison on Bligh

The head of the Australian banks' lobby group says he had no discussions with the prime minister or treasurer about the appointment of former Queensland premier Anna Bligh as his successor.

Outgoing Australian Bankers Association chief executive Steve Munchenberg told MPs on Wednesday that he had not received any expressions of concern from Treasurer Scott Morrison, who was reportedly furious over last month's announcement that the former Labor MP would head up the ABA.

The associaton works with governments and regulators as a representative of 25 Australian banks.

Westpac boss Brian Hartzer was full of praise for Ms Bligh when he appeared before the same parliamentary committee earlier on Wednesday, but declined to say whether his staff had discussed the issue with Mr Morrison.

Mr Morrison has denied reports that he cancelled meetings with the chief executives of the big four banks due to his unhappiness with Ms Bligh's appointment.

"Anna Bligh is an outstanding appointment," Mr Hartzer told the parliamentary hearing into the big four banks.

"I was fully supportive; I interviewed Ms Bligh and I'm really excited about the changes she is going to bring."

He said he had not discussed the appointment with Mr Morrison and refused to talk about private conversations the bank may have had with the government on the issue.

The Westpac boss was the last of the big four banking chiefs to appear before the bank review by the House of Representatives economics committee in Canberra.

As chairman of the ABA, National Australia Bank chief executive Andrew Thorburn led the process that led to Ms Bligh's appointment.

He told the same committee of MPs last week that the former Labor premier possessed the skills the banks needed.

Mr Thorburn said he informed Mr Morrison of Ms Bligh's appointment ahead of its February 17 announcement and that the Treasurer did not try to change the decision.

Ms Bligh will become the ABA's first female CEO on April 3.