Australians who have had their hours of work and income affected due to state lockdowns, will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment from the Federal Government.
The COVID Disaster Payment comes as Victoria enters its second week of lockdown following an outbreak of the virus, which has resulted in 94 active cases in the state to midnight 07 June.
The payment follows sustained pressure from the Victorian Government and business groups for the Federal Government to step up and provide financial support to workers impacted by lockdowns now that JobKeeper is finished.
Eligible recipients of the COVID Disaster Payment will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours.
Recipients must not have liquid assets of more than $10,000.
The payment will be made in respect of the second and any subsequent weeks of restrictions.
Australian Retailers Association CEO Paul Zahra said the measure will help deliver a safety net to many of Victoria’s most vulnerable workers.
"With 33 days of state-imposed lockdowns already a reality in Australia this year, the COVID impact is unfortunately likely to be with us for the rest of 2021.
"We are pleased to see the return of Federal support in recognition of the ongoing pandemic pain.
"This scheme rightly targets our most vulnerable working cohort, including casuals who will lose work opportunities whilst stores and other business operations remain closed.
"Unfortunately, the scheme doesn’t cater for the businesses themselves – with some struggling small businesses unable to survive further lockdowns without support.
"We see it as a shared state and federal responsibility to protect jobs and preserve businesses such as CBD and travel retailers, food operators and other small businesses that would otherwise be thriving," he said.
The Federal Government's support follows the announcement of business support from the Victorian Government last week.
Zahra added that while the state government support package is welcomed, the finer details of the program are yet to be made clear.
"Whilst the Victorian Government’s business support package is also welcome, we still await details on how this will be accessible to the average small retailer affected by the lockdown.
"Reversing the planned payroll tax changes in the most recent Victorian budget would also go a long way toward giving businesses certainty and support," he said.