The Federal Government has today announced plans for $130 billion package to subsidise wages of employees who have been stood down due to the coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the $130 billion package today which will be $1500 per employee per fortnight, which is 75 per cent of the median wage.
Federal Member for Capricornia Michelle Landry said the flat rate will benefit around six million Australians and will help people stay in jobs now and in the future after the crisis has subsided.
“This is a key incentive for employers to keep people in actual work and in an actual job,” Ms Landry said.
“Employees and business owners alike are doing it tough at the moment due to the coronavirus, and I hope this payment will help keep people in jobs the medium to long term so when we are on the other side of the pandemic, these businesses are ready to start operating again.
“In the midst of all of this uncertainty, this will provide some certainty to hardworking families who will be anxious and stressed due to coronavirus.”
Business turnovers will need to have fallen by 30 per cent or more to be eligible for the payment.
It will be available to full-time and part-time workers, sole traders and casuals who have been with their employer for more than 12 months.
