The Marshall Liberal Government has welcomed the Federal Government’s commitment to extend the JobKeeper wage subsidy for eligible businesses and not-for-profits by six months, which is expected to support tens of thousands of local jobs and SA businesses.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison today announced the JobKeeper payment will run until March 28 next year under a two-tiered payment system – with the $1,500 per fortnight flat payment reduced to $1,200 per fortnight from September 28, and to $1,000 per fortnight from January 4, 2021.
Lower payment rates will apply for people who work part-time, or fewer than 20 hours per week (from September 28).
Treasurer Rob Lucas welcomed the JobKeeper extension as an ‘excellent initiative’ and one the Marshall Government had been calling for.
“This will be music to the ears of many South Australian businesses and their employees, who now have greater certainty and peace of mind as they continue to recover from the greatest economic challenge of our time,” said Mr Lucas.
“JobKeeper has been a game changer for so many businesses – approximately 50,000 in SA alone – and the extension of the payment is something we’ve been calling for because it will continue to support jobs as the economy continues to open up and local restrictions ease.
“So far, around 3.5 million Australians and 960,000 organisations have benefitted from the scheme, which has helped ease business’ cash flow burden at a time when many employers were working hard just to keep the lights on, the doors open and their staff in jobs.
“We commend the Federal Government for their commitment to extend this wage subsidy, particularly for a state like South Australia whose economy is underpinned by small and medium-sized businesses.”
Mr Lucas also welcomed the extension of the JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement until the end of the year, at a reduced rate from $550 per fortnight to $250 per fortnight from September 25.
The Federal initiatives complement the $1 billion in economic stimulus committed by the State Government – including $10,000 emergency cash grants for small businesses and not-for-profits of which $186 million has already been paid.
