JobKeeper and JobSeeker extended but eligibility tightened

·

The Morrison government will cut the JobKeeper wage subsidy at the end of September to $1200 a fortnight for full-time workers and to $750 for part-time workers, down from the current single rate of $1500.

The scheme is being extended for six months, until March 28 next year, but will be revised down further at the start of January to $1000 for full-time workers and $650 for part-time employees working 20 hours a week or less.

The JobSeeker coronavirus supplement will also be reduced at the end of September from $550 to $250 a fortnight, meaning those without a job will have their payments cut back to about $800 a fortnight under the unemployment scheme.

The rate of JobSeeker, formerly known as Newstart, was about $560 a fortnight before the pandemic. This was increased to $1100 with the supplement that was due to end in September, alongside the wage subsidy scheme.

The reduced supplement will be added to welfare payments until the end of the year, when the government will reassess the economic situation, but Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the government anticipates it’s likely there “would need to be some continuation of the COVID supplement post-December.”

“We will have Australian’s backs as we face the ongoing impacts of COVID-19,” Mr Morrison added at a press conference this afternoon.

“There is no silver bullet and this is about delivering the support Australians need and the policies our economy requires to reopen, recover and create jobs.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the extension of support recognised Australia’s economic recovery was still in its early stages and a number of businesses and individuals remained significantly affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic.

“The Government’s focus remains on reopening the economy where it is safe to do so, but the extension of these measures recognises that some parts of the economy will continue to be affected and need continued support,” the Treasurer said.

Important update

#LIVE: Important update on next steps of our income support measures – JobKeeper and JobSeeker

Posted by Scott Morrison (ScoMo) on Monday, 20 July 2020

“Sadly, as a result of this global health pandemic, businesses will close and people will lose their jobs, but that is why we have extended the Coronavirus Supplement and announced a new skills package to help people transition from welfare to work.

“It is also why we are extending the JobKeeper Payment beyond September to help keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs as our economy reopens.”

The JobKeeper wage subsidy is paid to 960,000 employers, who then pass the full payment onto 3.5 million workers.

Businesses will have to prove they’re still in financial distress each quarter, down at least 30 per cent on pre-pandemic levels, to remain eligible for the program after September.

Advertisement

Share:

KEEP UP TO DATE WITH TGH

By subscribing you accept our Terms of Service and Privacy Policy.

Advertisement

Latest News

Summer soundtrack: The ultimate guide to Greek concerts and festivals in 2025

Wherever you are in the country, The Greek Herald has the inside scoop on must-see performances to catch during your summer escape.

Michael Zannis: The Greek Aussie cricket star redefining blindness

Michael Zannis has turned his ‘disability’ into his superpower. He lives as everyone else does and is thriving.

Greek olive oil today: Production, use and export data

Greek olive oil is consumed in large quantities in Greece today. Still, the small population leaves plenty of oil for export.

Greece ranks fifth highest in Europe for short-term rental prices

Greece has become the fifth most expensive destination in Europe for short-term rentals, with the average nightly rate reaching 250 euros.

Greece cracks down on beach violations amid thousands of complaints

Greek authorities are intensifying efforts to combat illegal beach occupation and protect public access to the coastline.

You May Also Like

What we know so far about the Greek Orthodox Community Centre cluster in Queensland

Queensland has recorded six new cases of COVID-19 overnight, with one of those cases locally acquired. Premier, Annastacia Palaszczuk, said the local case, who is...

Greek consulate of Sydney commemorates 200th Anniversary of Greek Independence with reception

With a reception hosted by the Consul General of Greece in Sydney, Greeks commemorated the 200th Anniversary from the beginning of the Greek Revolution

Three Greek islands named best in world by Readers Choice

The Reader’s Choice Awards have named Santorini, Crete, and Mykonos as some of the best islands in the world for 2023.