ASX Announcement - Patricia Cross Appointed to National Australia Bank Board - 10 August 2005

The Chairman of the National Australia Bank Graham Kraehe today announced the appointment of Patricia Cross as a non-executive director.

Mrs Cross will join the National's Board in early December 2005.  She is also a director of Qantas and Wesfarmers.

Mrs Cross brings 25 years of experience in banking and finance to the National's Board.  Prior to taking up a range of non-executive directorships in 1996, Mrs Cross worked in senior management roles with Chase Manhattan Bank, Banque Nationale de Paris and National Australia Bank.  In 2003 she received a Centenary medal for service to Australian society through the finance industry.

"Patricia has a strong background in banking and financial services," Mr Kraehe said.

"With her roles as a non-executive director and experience in corporate governance, I am sure Patricia will provide a great contribution to the National," he said.

Mrs Cross said: "It is an exciting time to be joining the National.  It is a company of great significance to a large number of Australians as shareholders, customers and employees."

Mrs Cross holds a Bachelor of Science degree (Hons-Econ) from Georgetown University in the United States.

Further background on Patricia Cross is available at www.nabgroup.com .

For further information:

Brandon Phillips
Group Manager, External Relations
03 8641 3857 work
0419 369 058 mobile

Callum Davidson
Head of Group Investor Relations
03 8641 4964 work
0411 117 984 mobile