Housing Minister and Assistant Treasurer Michael Sukkar says the JobKeeper “has met the mark” for businesses struggling under the economic impact of the coronavirus.
Under the government’s $130 billion wage subsidy program, workers could be entitled to $1,500 fortnightly payments to ease the financial strain of many businesses trying to retain staff.
Mr Sukkar told Sky News that the overwhelming number of business applications for the JobSeeker scheme “indicates this is providing and will provide the support that businesses need to stay connected to their employers and workforce”.
He said an important element of the program was also “to keep that essential business structure together during this very difficult time”.
For workers unable receive the $1,500 payments, they could be eligible for the JobSeeker scheme which would see them receive fortnightly payments of $1,100.
"We are throwing everything at this and as I said, early signs are with the enthusiastic take up of over 700,000 businesses that the JobKeeper program has met the mark for those businesses,” he said.
“One way or another our safety net which we have absolutely bolstered throughout this program is ensuring that all Australians are protected.
“Or if they are working in a way that ensures they can stay connected to those business, stay employed and come out the other side in stronger shape.”
Image: Getty
