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

 

December 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.

 

 

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.

 

 

If “Yes” is marked, indicate the file number assigned to the registrant in connection with Rule 12g3-2(b):82-

 

 

 

Incorporation by Reference

 

The information contained in this Report on 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. 333-153500), as such prospectus may be amended or supplemented from time to time.

 

Announcement of Placement

 

Westpac announced today that it has commenced an institutional placement of its ordinary shares to raise A$2.5 billion to increase its capital resources, enhance its balance sheet flexibility and position itself to capture organic growth opportunities.  The placement will be conducted by way of an institutional bookbuild on a fully underwritten basis.  The ordinary shares have not been registered under the United States Securities Act of 1933, as amended, and may not be offered or sold in the United States or to or for the account or benefit of U.S. persons unless the shares are registered under such Act or an exemption from the registration requirements of the Act is available.

 

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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:	December 8, 2008	By:	/s/ Manuela Adl
			Manuela Adl
			SVP & Chief Operating Officer

 

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