Member for New England, Barnaby Joyce, has welcomed the extension of the JobKeeper program and the Coronavirus Supplement for affected businesses and households in New England. 

“This economic support for local businesses and their workers is unprecedented and is helping the New England community through the COVID-19 pandemic and bolstering our economic recovery. 

“I’ve been walking around the shops today in Armidale asking how people are dealing with the economic ramifications of COVID-19 and what we can do to help.  As much as we would like to offer so much more, we are restricted by the fact that this is borrowed money, overwhelmingly from overseas, and it has to be repaid. 

“One thing businesses do understand is that you can’t have too much debt and our Government is no different,” Mr Joyce said.

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

A two-tiered payment will also be introduced so as to better reflect the pre-COVID-19 income of payment recipients. 

Specifically, 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 continued support for Australians who are without work and for businesses and their workers will help New England to not only get through this crisis, but recover on the other side.

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 Coalition 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,” the Treasurer said.

Mr Joyce said the Government is extending the JobKeeper payment beyond September to help keep businesses in business and Australians in jobs as our economy reopens.”

“The program has made a difference to local businesses in New England, including coffee shops, hairdressers and hotels, by keeping a connection between employers and employees to help them get to the other side of the crisis,” Mr Joyce said.

For more information: treasury.gov.au/coronavirus 

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