Federal Member for Wide Bay Llew O’Brien has welcomed today’s announcement by Prime Minister Scott Morrison that the JobKeeper program and the Coronavirus Supplement have been extended.

“The JobKeeper program has made a real and significant difference to local businesses in Wide Bay, helping keep the doors open and local people employed, and the extended payment will assist further as trade starts to rebuild,” Mr O’Brien said.

“This unprecedented economic support for local businesses and their staff is keeping Wide Bay’s economy running through the COVID-19 pandemic, and will help our local economy recover sooner.”

Under the Morrison Government’s next phase of support, the JobKeeper Payment will continue at its current level until 27 September, and then it will be extended for a further six months to 28 March 2021. 

A two-tiered payment will also be introduced, which Mr O’Brien said would better reflect the pre-COVID-19 income of payment recipients.

From 28 September until 3 January next year, the two payments will be $1,200 and $750 per fortnight, with the lower payment for employees who worked less than 20 hours a week in the month of February pre-COVID-19.

From 4 January to 28 March next year, the two payments will be $1,000 and $650.

The temporary Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support will also be extended until 31 December 2020. The $550 per fortnight Supplement will continue until 24 September. 

From 25 September until 31 December, the Supplement will be $250 per fortnight, reducing by the same amount as the JobKeeper payment.

“The Morrison Government’s continued support for Australians who have lost their jobs or cannot find one, and for local businesses will help Wide Bay to not only get through this crisis, but recover on the other side,” Mr O’Brien said.

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

“The Morrison 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.

“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.”

For more information: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus