Tasmania’s Federal Liberal MPs and Senators still have time to amend the government’s JobKeeper legislation, to ensure local government is eligible for the payment.
The Shadow Minister for Local Government Anita Dow, has today written to a number of Federal Liberal MPs and Senators, urging them to amend the legislation when it is debated in Federal Parliament tomorrow.
“The Federal Government’s decision last week to deny local government access to the JobKeeper package was deeply disappointing and fundamentally inequitable,” Ms Dow said.
“Council-run services like swimming pools, child care centres and museums have had to close as a result of COVID-19. If these services were run by the private sector, they would attract Federal Government support.”
Ms Dow said at a time when councils are facing reduced revenue from facilities and rates, they may not have the cash reserves to keep employees on and support the community through rates relief and economic stimulus.
“Around 4000 Tasmanians are currently employed in local government, playing a critical role in the economic and community response to the COVID-19 pandemic, as well as being a vital part of the economic and community recovery to come.
“The Federal Government has turned its back on these employees and the essential services they provide.
“Labor supports the introduction of a wage subsidy to support affected business owners and employees affected by COVID-19, but it must be applied equitably across all businesses and workers.
“I urge Tasmania’s Federal Liberal MPs and Senators to support council workers by amending the JobKeeper legislation when it is debated in Federal Parliament tomorrow.
“This is a critical opportunity to provide support for Tasmania’s councils through the JobKeeper program so they can maintain their workforces through these challenging times, provide rates relief and continue to provide vital services to the community.”
Anita Dow MP
Shadow Minister for Local Government
