A Senate decision on the future of the exit fee ban was postponed yesterday, after hopes from industry that it would be overturned.

Following weeks of intense industry lobbying, the Senate was scheduled to vote on a motion moved against the controversial legislation, which is set to outlaw the imposition of any exit fees, or fees charged by lenders upon termination of a loan contract after 1 July.

Yesterday, Australian BrokerNews reported that one vote - Senator Steve Fielding - would decide the outcome. The Australian Financial Review today reports that Fielding will side with the government.

A decision on the motion to overturn the exit fee ban has now been postponed until a future sitting day, which could be as soon as today.

MFAA CEO Phil Naylor told Australian BrokerNews prior to the sitting that after months of intense lobbying - as well as a recent advertising campaign directed at Senate members - "it remains to be seen what occurs".

"Our lobbying has been substantial with the ad campaign, letters to all MPs and Senators, as well as encouraging our members to write - and many have," Naylor said.

"In addition, via Facebook, Linked In and Twitter there has been a massive amount of commentary. We’ve also had contact and with the Coalition, the Treasurer, the Greens and Senator Fielding," Naylor revealed.

A motion from Senator Xenophon seeks to apply the government's ban on exit fees only to the big four banks, exempting second tier and smaller players.

Most non-bank lenders have already adjusted their DEF and commission payment structures to cater for the ban from next week.