Tom Mortimer: Pitt Street Bankers

by Gary Davis

Can Tom Mortimer, a farm boy from humble beginnings, prevail against the might of the Pitt Street Bankers, in his fight for the everyday person?

Based on actual events. The foreign currency bank loans scheme that occurred in Australia in the 1980’s, adversely affected approximately 4500 families.
This is a story about money and how it impacts on the lives of farmers and small business owners in an environment where privileged bankers and powerful politicians are the decision makers, and greed rules.

The story follows the life of Tom Mortimer. It begins in 1959 on a dairy farm in rural Georgica on the east coast of Australia, moves to the privileged world of the Pitt Street Bankers in Sydney, and culminates in 1987 with a gripping David versus Goliath courtroom showdown in the Supreme Court of New South Wales.

445 pages, Paperback

First published January 1, 2023

About the author

Librarian Note: This profile contains more than one author. Those listed below have multiple books listed on GoodReads.

Gary Davis (2 spaces): jazz musician
Gary Davis (3 spaces): American living in Costa Rica
Gary Davis (4 spaces): author of the Chasing a Dying Sun series

Reviews

[Juanita · Rating 4 out of 5]

Wow what a great book. I bought it from the author at a show. It is fiction however based on the Banks Foreign Loan scheme from the 80’s.
I am guessing the main character is based off the author from what he told me.
It has really short chapters which I loved and is easy to read. I now have a much better understanding of what these loans were and how families ended up in ruin.
Definitely could have done without the sexual parts but all up in a book that was over 400 Pages they probably accounted for 3 pages.

[Annie · Rating 3 out of 5]

This book is an honest account of Tom Mortimer’s personal journey from his childhood on the family dairy farm to the young man working in the finance industry.
Tom has a sensible approach to challenges and uses his intelligence to further his career prospects. When he is overlooked for an anticipated promotion, Tom decides to change direction and study Law.
With both financial and legal knowledge Tom is the perfect person to advise clients on foreign currency bank loans being offered to small business operators in the 1980s.
With a backdrop of the Hawke/Keating government and banking deregulation in Australia, these Mum and Dad operations suffer unprecedented financial pressures.
What happens next is a David and Goliath court battle where Tom represents struggling farmers against the mighty Pitt Street Banker$.

[Nick Minchin · Rating 5 out of 5]

Gary Davis has written a remarkably engaging book based on the infamous foreign loans affair involving major Australian banks in the 1980s.
Gary adopts a fictionalised basis for his story, but it is obviously based on his own life and experience, which makes it all the more compelling.
It is a David v Goliath tale, with a small-town lawyer taking on the might of the big banks on behalf of innocent farmers, fisherman etc who have been ruthlessly exploited by cynical bankers.
My own father was a victim of this cruel saga, so I found it particularly compelling.
But for those unaware of these events, Gary's fictional account is a great way to learn about this sordid period in the history of Australian banking

[Dee Rotondo · Rating 5 out of 5]

Set in the 1980’s, during the days of 18% bank loan interest rates along with the near impossibility of obtaining one, Tom Mortimer finds himself embroiled in the deception of the foreign loans affair. It was a time when farmers and small business owners, who were impacted by the restructuring of primary industry and the challenges of agriculture, were enticed to take on some unconventional bank loans which had some unexpected outcomes. The Pitt Street Bankers is written with great sensitivity and honesty. It is a story of sacrifice, strength, resilience and hope embodied in a dairy farmer’s son, who shifts the plights of so many of the disenfranchised. Set against the backdrop of Australian history, The Pitt Street Bankers is a gripping read.

[Bronwyn Turner · Rating 5 out of 5]

I really enjoyed this novel. Having grown up in the 1980s it brought to life many memories from my childhood and the characters also reminded me of people I grew up with. I was hooked right to the end - such a great climax! Short chapters made it easy to read and a great pace 👍🏻
I really hope there’s a “book 2”!

[Julie Rooks · Rating 5 out of 5]

From the first chapter I was intrigued. Each chapter built on the characters and their lives, building up to the court case. It was hard to put down I found myself saying I will just read one more chapter. Many chapters later I would put it down for a short while. Throughly enjoyed it and highly recommend “Pitt Street Bankers “ for a good read.

[Sue Mcgrath · Rating 5 out of 5]

Really loved reading this book. I purchased on a whim in Berry from the author's wife. Such an easy and interesting read about rural Australia and how they were treated by the big metropolitan bankers in the 80s.

[Julie Oakes · Rating 5 out of 5]

Awesome read couldn’t put it down loved the characterisation. Oh the greedy banks lying in court.
Wonderful story based on fact of the 1980 bank scam. Felt so sorry for the farmers boat builders all the small business owners who were conned into the scheme.

[Bronwen Campbell · Rating 4 out of 5]

Loved it,

[Marion Davis · Rating 5 out of 5]

Captivating from start to finish. Loved the main character Tom Mortimer. The first book I’ve read from start to finish in years and just couldn’t put it down. Must read!!