The current banking environment is "ugly and evil" and consumers need to be protected from risky behaviour, independent MP Bob Katter has told parliament. The veteran Queensland MP wants to separate retail commercial banking from riskier investment activities, a move he believes will protect Australians in times of depression and stop banks luring customers into buying other services. Mr Katter suggested Australia was "sitting on the brink of disaster" as banks continue to offer loans to people who may not be able to make repayments, and called on institutions to be held responsible. In Sydney, Newcastle and ... (full story)