The Federal Government has failed tens of thousands of Tasmanian workers by not extending the wage subsidy to include short-term casuals, local government workers and temporary visa workers.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said the exclusion of some workers is unacceptable.
“The wage subsidy, known as JobKeeper, is a sensible measure to keep workers connected with employers, and help ensure a rapid return to normal business operation once the COVID-19 crisis is over.
“We welcome this measure because it offers protection to around 6 million Australians. What it won’t do is cover nearly 24,000 casual and 1000 migrant workers in Tasmania.
“This virus doesn’t care about your visa or your employment status and that is why no worker should be left behind during this crisis.
“It is fundamentally inequitable that these workers do not qualify for JobKeeper payments.”
Ms White said the legislation passed by Federal Parliament yesterday enacting the JobKeeper scheme includes discretion for the Federal Government to vary eligibility for the payments.
“I call on the Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg to use the powers granted to him to make sure that all workers in Australia can access the Job Keeper program and urge the State Government to step in if the Federal Treasurer fails to act.
“The Government must make sure no worker is left behind, and ensure migrant workers and casual workers have the same level of protection as other workers in the community who’ve been affected by COVID-19.
“It’s cruel and unjust to marginalise some workers in this way who now face an uncertain future as a result of the disruption caused in our economy by COVID-19.”
Rebecca White MP
Labor Leader
