Prime Minister Scott Morrison has announced a historic decision, a decision never made before by the Australian government.
“Today we can, today we must and today we will,” said the Prime Minister.
The Prime Minister commented again on the unprecedented current circumstances and the battle against both the virus and economic ruin, stating that these battles call for unprecedented action.
To date, the government has announced two economic support packages, worth almost $70 billion dollars, plus a further $15 billion from states and territories.
Key Points:
‘Job-keeper’ Payments Announced
The government is now committing an additional 130 billion dollars in the next six months to support the jobs and livelihoods of what is anticipated to be around six million Australians.
Eligible businesses will be paid $1,500 per fortnight in ‘job-keeper’ payments, with the intention to keep Australians employed, “even when the work dries up.”
The job-keeper plan sees every Australian worker the same. There is not more support for some than for others, with the Prime Minister stating, “That’s not the Australian way.”
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg’s Key Points:
- The past weeks have been tough, the weeks ahead will be tougher.
- Tenants will have security of a six month moratorium on evictions.
- Focused on keeping Australians in jobs. Where people have lost their jobs, safety net has effectively doubled.
- At a cost of $130 billion, support will be provided to the Australian worker like never before.
- This $1500 payment is a flat payment, it’s the equivalent of about 70% of the median wage.
- Represents 100% of the median wage of sectors most affected by COVID-19 including retail, hospitality and more.
- It is available to full time and part time workers and casuals who have been with their employers for 12 months or more.
- Employers and sole traders can apply to the ATO as of today.
- Payments will begin in May, backdated to today.
- For a business to be eligible, business must have fallen by 30% or more, if the turnover is 1 billion then business must have fallen by 50% or more.
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