SECURITIES AND EXCHANGE COMMISSION

Washington, DC  20549

 

FORM 6-K

 

Report of Foreign Issuer

 

Pursuant to Rule 13a-16 or 15d-16 of
the Securities Exchange Act of 1934

 

September 16, 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 offices)

 

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-      

 

 

 



 

Index to Exhibits

 

Exhibit
No.

 

Description

 

 

 

1

 

Media Release – Westpac Statement regarding Lehman Bros

 

2



 

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:   September 16, 2008

By:

/s/ Manuela Adl

 

 

     Manuela Adl

 

 

     SVP & Chief Operating Officer

 

3



Exhibit 1

 

Media Release

 

16 September 2008

 

Westpac Statement regarding Lehman Bros

 

Following Lehman Bros Holding International filing for Chapter 11 Bankruptcy in the United States, Westpac today disclosed that its exposure to the Lehman Group of companies is less than A$10 million.

 

Ends.

 

For Further Information

 

David Lording

Westpac Media Relations

Ph: 02 8253 3510

Ph: 0419 683 411

 

www.westpac.com.au

 

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