General News
21 July, 2020
JobKeeper Payments Extended
The JobKeeper program and the JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement have been extended under the next phase of the Morrison Government’s support for affected businesses and households.
This unprecedented economic support for local businesses and their workers is helping the Cairns and Far North Queensland community through the COVID-19 pandemic and bolstering our economic recovery.
Under the Morrison Government’s next phase of support the JobKeeper Payment will continue at its current level until 27 September 2020.
It will be then extended for a further six months to 28 March 2021.
A two-tiered payment will also be introduced to better reflect the pre-COVID-19 income of payment recipients.
From 28 September until 3 January 2021 the two payments will be $1,200 and $750 per fortnight, with the lower payment for employees who worked less than 20 hours a week in the month of February pre-COVID-19.
From 4 January to 28 March 2021 the two payments will be $1,000 and $650.
The temporary JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement for those on income support will also be extended until 31 December 2020.
The $550 per fortnight JobSeeker Supplement will continue until 24 September 2020.
From 25 September until 31 December 2020 the JobSeeker Coronavirus Supplement will be $250 per fortnight, reducing by the same amount as the JobKeeper payment.
Federal Leichhardt MP Warren Entsch said the extension of support recognised the economic recovery was still in its early stages and local businesses and individuals remained significantly affected by the global COVID-19 pandemic
“This continued support for Far North Queenslanders who are without work, and for businesses and their workers, will help our region to not only get through this crisis, but recover on the other side,” Mr Entsch said.
“The government’s focus remains on reopening the economy where it is safe to do so but the extension of these measures recognises that some parts of the economy will continue to be affected and need continued support.
“The JobKeeper program has made a real difference to local businesses by keeping a connection between employers and employees to help them get to the other side of the crisis.”
For more information visit www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
