Paying too much: redlining, economic discrimination and essential services

In Australia, as in other western nations, access to affordable gas, electricity and water services are essential to the individual and fundamental to community wellbeing. Similarly, telecommunications services have become regarded as a services essential to social, political and economic participation. Less appreciated but increasingly recognised is the 'essentialness' of access to affordable banking services. For example it has become necessary to have a bank account in order to receive social security payments.