Federal Member for Cowper Pat Conaghan has welcomed the passing of legislation to deliver the Morrison-McCormack Government’s $130 billion JobKeeper Payment.

The unprecedented wage subsidy measure will provide payments of $1,500 per fortnight, before tax, to an estimated six million eligible workers in Australia through their employer.

“I know tens of thousands of people in my community woke up with a huge sense of relief today because this package will enable them to hold onto their job,” he said.

“Small and medium businesses are the engine room of our local economy and while not every business will survive this global coronavirus crisis, this package will help many hold on and maintain the valuable employees they will need on the other side.

“I am told over 700,000 businesses have registered for this support nationally since the JobKeeper Payment was first announced on 30 March 2020.

“I thank the Treasurer Josh Frydenberg for working quickly with the Prime Minister to deliver this economic lifeline to our community in what is one of the most challenging of times.”

The JobKeeper Payment will be available to full-time and part-time workers, sole traders and casuals who have been with their employer for 12 months or more. Importantly, it will apply to the many Australians working in the not for profit sector and to some workers that hold a permanent visa or a special category visa.

Combined with the Government’s previous actions, this totals $320 billion or 16.4 per cent of GDP in economic support to Australian businesses, households and individuals affected by the coronavirus and puts Australia in the best possible position to bounce back stronger than ever.

Eligible businesses experiencing a reduction in revenue of 30 per cent or more can apply for the JobKeeper Payment online and are able to register their interest via www.ato.gov.au

Mr Conaghan said he understood some members of the community were disappointed they had missed out on being eligible for this payment, however he said a line had to be drawn somewhere and the safety net of the unemployment JobSeeker Payment was available.

It is estimated some 40 per cent of casual workers would be eligible for the JobSeeker Payment and new, time-limited coronavirus supplement of $550 per fortnight. Register interest via www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or 132 850.