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

 

May 23, 2006

 

Commission File Number 1-10167

 

WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION

(Translation of registrant’s name into English)

 

60 MARTIN PLACE, 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

ý

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

ý

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with

Rule 12g3-2(b):82-        

 

 

Index to Exhibits

 

The information contained in the Exhibit No. 1 to this Form 6-K shall be incorporated by reference in the prospectus relating to the Registrant’s debt securities contained in the Registrant’s Registration Statement on Form F-3 (File No. 333-10546), as such prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Exhibit No.		Description
1		Profit Announcement for six months ended 31 March 2006, prepared for distribution in the United States.

 

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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.

 

	WESTPAC BANKING CORPORATION
	(Registrant)
Date: May 23, 2006			By:	/s/ Manuela Adl
		Manuela Adl
		SVP & Chief Operating Officer

 

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