SYDNEY, Nov 30 (Reuters) - Australia's major banks on Thursday took the highly unusual step of calling for an inquiry into the financial system as a way to head off pressure for a powerful parliamentary commission into the scandal-hit sector.
The call was made in a joint letter sent by the heads of Westpac Banking Corp WBC.AX , Commonwealth Bank CBA.AX , National Australia Bank NAB.AX and Australia and New Zealand Banking Group ANZ.AX to Treasurer Scott Morrison.
"We now ask you and your government to act to ensure a properly constituted inquiry into the financial services sector is established to put an end to the uncertainty and restore trust, respect and confidence," the letter read.