COVID-19 latest announcements
The Australian Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper payment which will help keep Australians in jobs. This payment brings the Government’s total economic support for the economy to $320 billion.
Our Government is continuing to act on reducing the rate of increase of COVID-19. Australia has one of the most rigorous coronavirus testing systems in the world with more than 238,000 tests completed. The rate of increase in the virus curve is slowing.
To continue to slow the spread we encourage all Australians to stay home unless for:
- shopping for what you need - food and necessary supplies;
- medical or health care needs, including compassionate requirements;
- exercise in compliance with the public gathering requirements;
- work and study if you can’t work or learn remotely.
If you have any questions or queries regarding these or any previous announcements, contact us immediately using one of the methods above or register your mobile number for a call back from one of our friendly electorate staff.
Together, we will get through this.
Support for Employers and Employees
JobKeeper Payment
The Morrison Government will provide a historic wage subsidy to around 6 million workers who will receive a flat payment of $1,500 per fortnight through their employer, before tax.
The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs as we tackle the significant economic impact from the coronavirus.
The payment will be paid to employers, for up to six months, for each eligible employee that was on their books on 1 March 2020 and is retained or continues to be engaged by that employer.
Eligible businesses can apply for the payment online and are able to register their interest via ato.gov.au
Income support partner pay income test
Over the next six months the Government is temporarily expanding access to income support payments and establishing a Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight.
The JobSeeker Payment is subject to a partner income test, and the Government is temporarily relaxing the partner income test to ensure that an eligible person can receive the JobSeeker Payment, and associated Coronavirus Supplement, providing their partner earns less than $3,068 per fortnight, around $79,762 per annum.
$1.1 billion to support more mental health, Medicare and domestic violence services
Whole of Population Telehealth
To provide continued access to essential primary health services during the COVID-19 pandemic, the Australian Government is expanding Medicare-subsidised telehealth services for all Australians and providing extra incentives to general practitioners and other health practitioners.
Australians will be able to access support in their own home using their telephone, or video conferencing features like Facetime to connect with services including GP services and mental health treatment.
Domestic violence support
An initial $150 million will be provided to support Australians experiencing domestic, family and sexual violence due to the fallout from coronavirus.
The funding will boost programs under the National Plan to reduce Violence against Women and their Children including counselling support for families affected by, or at risk of experiencing, domestic and family violence and, 1800RESPECT, the national domestic, family and sexual violence counselling service, which already answers around 160,000 calls a year.
Mental health support
An initial $74 million will be provided to support the mental health and wellbeing of all Australians.
The Government’s digital mental health portal, Head to Health, will be a single source of authoritative information and guidance on how to maintain good mental health during the coronavirus pandemic and in self-isolation, how to support children and loved ones, and how to access further mental health services and care.
Relief services for vulnerable Australians
An additional $200 million will be provided to support charities and other community organisations which provide emergency and food relief as demand surges as a result of coronavirus.
Commercial and residential tenancies
National Cabinet agreed to a moratorium on evictions over the next six months for commercial and residential tenancies in financial distress who are unable to meet their commitments due to the impact of coronavirus.
Commercial tenants, landlords and financial institutions are encouraged to sit down together to find a way through to ensure that businesses can survive and be there on the other side.
Stay Informed
The Australian Government has released an official app with the information you need to know about COVID-19. Just search ‘Coronavirus Australia’ in the Apple App Store or Google Play. You can also join our WhatsApp channel.