$130 billion JobKeeper package approved

The biggest economic rescue package in Australia’s history was passed by parliament on Wednesday night.

The $130 billion JobKeeper package wage subsidy scheme is set to see fortnightly payments of $1500 received by about six million, eligible Australians from the start of May.

Nearly 750,000 Australian businesses have registered their interest in the scheme.

Narrabri Chamber of Commerce president Russell Stewart said the JobKeeper package was “vitally important for country towns like Narrabri.”

“We need growth to survive,” Mr Stewart said.

“It is the most critical thing for country towns.

“And the absolute key to growth is retention of our skilled workers. If we can’t keep them we just can’t grow.

“The $130 billion payment package will allow employers to retain their staff.

“We must be able to offer our people an opportunity to stay.

“We are not so worried about attracting people, we can attract workers here – we have seen that in the past.” he said.

“It is retention which is the key issue.

“Narrabri businesses have welcomed JobKeeper.

“We back this federal government initiative all the way.”

Prime Minister Scott Morrison said Wednesday was an “incredibly important day in our fight against the coronavirus”.

“It (the scheme) will help keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business so once this virus has passed, those businesses are ready to go and we can kickstart our economy again,” said a statement released on the Prime Minister’s social media account.

“Our Government has moved decisively to address the twin health and economic storms that confront us as a result of the coronavirus.

“Preparing our health system for the challenges to come.

“Putting in place the economic lifeline and buffers for Australians in what is likely to be their toughest ever year in 2020.

“This is the greatest economic crisis to afflict the world in many generations.

“Our Government has responded with the biggest economic lifeline in Australia’s history with our JobKeeper package.

“It’s a level of support this country has never, ever seen before.

“We still have a long way to go in this fight against the coronavirus. But through the actions we have taken to date, we have bought valuable time, to chart a way out over the next six months.”

In a video message from Parliament House, Member for Parkes Mark Coulton welcomed news of the huge relief package and said it would “help keep people in employment” and connected to businesses.

“The advice I give whether you be a sole-trader, whether you be an agriculture-related business or whether you be a farmer – don’t take advice over the back fence, let the Tax Office make that assessment,” said Mr Coulton.

“This is designed to help as many people as possible.”

Deputy Prime Minister Michael McCormack also featured in the video with Mr Coulton.

“A very good proposal, a very good announcement,” said Mr McCormack.

“Necessary, $130 billion – it’s the biggest commitment that a Federal Government has made but it is making sure that we keep Australia’s economy strong,” said Mr McCormack.

“Making sure that we get through this together.”

“Go to www.australia.gov.au.”