The government could have explored a one quarter qualification for Victorian businesses and two for other states in regards to thresholds for JobKeeper, Sky News Political Editor Andrew Clennell says.
“As there is difference between a locked down economy and one affected by downturn,” Mr Clennell said.
The Federal government has expanded its JobKeeper program to help businesses through the stage four lockdown in Victoria.
An extra $15 billion will be spent subsidising worker wages from September, increasing what is already the most expensive support package in Australian history.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the government was also relaxing criteria for the scheme.
“So you only have to have your turnover 30 per cent down for one quarter as opposed to two quarter requirements they announced two weeks ago,” Mr Clennell said.
“Turning the program from an $86 billion one to $101 billion.
“The government argues this is the sensible way to do it as most of the business to benefit will be Victorian anyway.”
