PRIME Minister Scott Morrison this morning announced the next phase of Government support for the economy, including a six-month extension of the JobKeeper scheme but at a lower rate (TD breaking news).
Once the existing program expires at the end of Sep the new two-tiered payment levels of $1,200 per fortnight for full time workers and $750 for people working fewer than 20 hours a week will apply.
Tighter eligibility requirements will also be in force to ensure the measure continues to target sectors hardest hit by COVID-19.
AFTA CEO Darren Rudd welcomed the extension, saying it was a victory for the travel industry which had vigorously lobbied the for an extension.
“COVID-19 hit travel and tourism operators earlier than other industries and will continue to impact for longer, so ongoing support is vital,” he said.
Rudd said keeping the program going provided a lifeline to viable businesses and AFTA members that “might otherwise have closed their doors for good, leaving people without support at a time when they need it more than ever.
“For economic survival we now need to turn to reopening of all domestic borders when safe to do so as well as establishing travel bubbles to get Australians travelling again while balancing the health risks,” he added.
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Source: traveldaily