Australia's banks are urging the government not to impose more red tape and taxes as part of its long-awaited response to the financial services inquiry.
The government was handed the inquiry's report by former Commonwealth Bank boss David Murray in November 2014.
A response had been expected in late September, but the ousting of prime minister Tony Abbott by Malcolm Turnbull has delayed the government's reply.
The Australian Bankers' Association hopes that when the response is finally unveiled it won't contain measures that may hamper the industry's ability to support the economy.
Chief economist Tony Pearson says the industry backs the government's push for reform, but it must protect the ability of banks to finance home and business loans as well as pay taxes, interest on savings accounts, and dividends to shareholders.
"To ensure banks continue to play their part in Australia's growth, the burden of government regulation and tax should be kept as low as possible," he said.
"What we want to avoid is a situation like in Europe, where banks are tied up in red tape."
The government's decision in September to back calls by the Murray inquiry to ditch plans for a bank deposit tax was welcomed by the ABA at the time as a wise policy decision.
Mr Pearson described the move as a big winner for savers.
"So there are some positive signs already and that is consistent with the government recognising the need not to overly burden the system," he said.
Mr Pearson's comments came as the ABA released a report outlining the contribution the banking sector makes to Australia's economy.
Among its findings:
* The finance and insurance industry is the equal-largest industry in Australia, alongside mining
* It contributed $138.6 billion to the Australian economy over the year to June 2015, about the same as mining
* It contributed 9.3 per cent of GDP
* Banks provide 150,000 Australian jobs and pay about $24 billion in wages
* Banks paid $13.7 billion in taxes in 2014
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