UNITED STATES
SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION
Washington, DC 20549
FORM 6-K
REPORT OF FOREIGN PRIVATE ISSUER PURSUANT TO RULE 13a-16 OR 15d-16
UNDER THE SECURITIES EXCHANGE ACT OF 1934
August 8, 2008
Commission File Number 1-10167
WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
(Translation of registrant’s name into English)
275 KENT STREET, SYDNEY, NEW SOUTH WALES 2000, AUSTRALIA
(Address of principal executive office)
Indicate by check
mark whether the registrant files or will file annual reports
under cover of Form 20-F or Form 40-F.
Form 20-F x Form 40-F o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(1): o
Indicate by check mark if the registrant is submitting the Form 6-K in paper
as permitted by Regulation S-T Rule 101(b)(7): o
Indicate by check mark whether the registrant by furnishing the information contained in
this form is also thereby furnishing the information to the Commission pursuant to
Rule 12g3-2(b) under the Securities Act of 1934.
Yes o No x
If “Yes” is
marked, indicate the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with
Rule 12g3-2(b):82-
Disclosure regarding forward-looking statements
The materials filed as exhibits to this Form 6-K contain statements that constitute “forward-looking statements” within the meaning of section 21E of the U.S. Securities Exchange Act of 1934. The forward-looking statements include statements regarding our intent, belief or current expectations with respect to our business and operations, market conditions and results of operations and financial condition, including, without limitation, indicative drivers, forecasted economic indicators and performance metric outcomes.
We use words such as ‘may’, ‘expect’, ‘indicative’, ‘intend’, ‘forecast’, ‘likely’, ‘estimate’, ‘anticipate’, ‘believe’, ‘on track’ or similar words to identify forward-looking statements. These statements reflect our current views with respect to future events and are subject to certain risks, uncertainties and assumptions. Should one or more of the risks or uncertainties materialize, or should underlying assumptions prove incorrect, actual results may vary materially from the expectations described in these materials. Factors that may impact on the forward-looking statements made include those described in the sections entitled ‘Risk factors,’ ‘Competition’ and ‘Risk management’ in Westpac’s 2007 Annual Report on Form 20-F filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on November 8, 2007, in the section entitled ‘Principal risks and uncertainties’ in Westpac’s Interim Financial Report for the half year ended March 31, 2008 filed on Form 6-K with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on May 15, 2008 and in the section entitled ‘Risk factors’ in Westpac’s Form 6-K filed with the U.S. Securities and Exchange Commission on June 19, 2008. When relying on forward-looking statements to make decisions with respect to us, investors and others should carefully consider such factors and other uncertainties and events. We are under no obligation, and do not intend, to update any forward-looking statements contained in these materials.
Index to Exhibits
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Exhibit |
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Description |
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Media Release — Westpac Market Update |
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2 |
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Presentation — Westpac Update |
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SIGNATURES
Pursuant to the requirements of the Securities Exchange Act of 1934, the registrant has duly caused this report to be signed on its behalf by the undersigned, thereunto duly authorized.
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WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION |
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(Registrant) |
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Date: August 8, 2008 |
By: |
/s/ Manuela Adl |
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Manuela Adl |
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SVP & Chief Operating Officer |
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