The spread of Coronavirus (COVID-19) is an unprecedented health crisis and something affecting everyone in our community.
The economic impact is devastating and I know that many of you are hurting. We will get through this by working together and my staff and I are here to help you.
If you need information or support services relating to the broader economic and financial impacts of COVID-19, please call my office on 9349 6007, email matt.thistlethwaite.mp@aph.gov.au or reach me via Facebook, Instagram or Twitter.
The Government has now announced several support measures as part of its second stimulus package. These include:
- A temporary increase to the Job Seeker Payment (which includes the former Newstart Allowance) through a $550 per fortnight Coronavirus Supplement – starting on 27 April, for six months;
- A second one-off $750 payment to many social security, veteran and other income support recipients, including pensioners – to be paid in July;
- The temporary waiving of the Liquid Assets Waiting Period and Newly Arrived Migrants Waiting Period for working age payments; and
- A further reduction of the deeming rates to 0.25 per cent as the lower rate and 2.25 per cent as the upper rate – from May.
I believe that the start dates for these payments is too late. My Labor colleagues and I have called on the Government to bring forward the dates the payments begin.
The following links provide a summary of the latest support available for our community from the Federal Government:
Support for individuals and households
treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/households
Support for small businesses including sole traders
treasury.gov.au/coronavirus/businesses
While the COVID-19 situation is evolving, it’s most important that we all act on the latest medical advice. For more information on the health aspects of COVID-19, please follow the link to:
health.gov.au/news/health-alerts/novel-coronavirus-2019-ncov-health-alert
I will continue to provide you with updated information as it becomes available.
