The NSW Government will partner with the Commonwealth to give workers without leave entitlements access to the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment arrangements.
Under the arrangement, any NSW worker who has no leave entitlements will be eligible for a one-off $1,500 payment for each 14 day period that they are directed by NSW Health to self-isolate or quarantine, or during which they are caring for someone with COVID-19. This includes holders of a temporary visa that gives them the right to work in Australia.
Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the payment arrangements would support the State’s efforts in protecting against the further spread of COVID-19.
“NSW is successfully managing the COVID-19 pandemic, including through contact tracing and the country’s highest testing rates,” Ms Berejiklian said.
“By introducing the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment we are ensuring we continue to do everything we can to protect the community against undetected transmission.
“Our priority is for people to get tested and follow all the health advice to stop the spread of the virus and keep the NSW economy moving.
“We do not want some workers to have to choose between isolating and financially supporting themselves or their dependents.”
Treasurer Dominic Perrottet said it was critical people, businesses and communities remained protected against COVID-19.
“The NSW Government has already allocated $16 billion in heath and economic stimulus measures to help cushion the State from the effects of the pandemic,” Mr Perrottet said.
“The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will support these measures and provide much-needed assistance to workers who don’t have access to leave and who might otherwise avoid getting a COVID test, or taking a dependant to get a COVID test, because they will be financially worse off by taking time off work if self-isolation is required.”
Applications can be made at https://www.nsw.gov.au/covid-19/financial-support
