Strategies of denial and the Australian Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry

Abstract

The recently concluded Australian Royal Commission into Misconduct in the Banking, Superannuation and Financial Services Industry presented evidence of malfeasance, malpractice, and unethical and criminal behaviour by the banks. This article analyses the narratives proffered by the banks that were reported on the front pages of Australian media during the Royal Commission. This article analyses the strategies of denial and neutralisation used by the banks, including literal denial (nothing happened), interpretive denial (something happened but it’s not what you think) and implicatory denial (it happened but action is not needed and/or possible), and provides insight into the ways powerful institutions and individuals intervene in, construct, and support moral and legal codes.