The Property Council of Australia has welcomed the extension of the JobKeeper payment for a further six months to March 2021.
“Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Treasurer provides businesses and their employees with the certainty they need for the coming months as we continue to grapple with the public health and economic impact of COVID-19,” said Ken Morrison, Chief Executive of the Property Council.
“The JobKeeper program has provided critical support for the Australian economy during the pandemic, assisting almost one million businesses and 3.5 million workers.
“This includes many businesses in the property industry, which is Australia’s biggest employer, and the Property Council advocated strongly in support of its extension in line with today’s announcement.
“45 per cent of the respondents to the latest ANZ/Property Council industry survey said they had accessed the program, and a majority supported the scheme continuing beyond September.
“Everyone recognises that pandemic measures such as this can’t continue forever, but this extension is certainly appropriate,” Mr Morrison said.
The introduction of a reduced two-tiered payment rate that distinguished between full-time and part-time work was a sensible adjustment to support the sustainability of the program which has been historic in its scale.
“The extension of JobKeeper will play a vital role in helping Australian business plan for recovery and rebuilding from the impact of COVID-19,” Mr Morrison said.
