The Hon. MP Prime Minister

The Hon. MP Treasurer

The Hon. David Littleproud MP Minister for Agriculture, Drought and Emergency Management

Senator the Hon. MP Minister for Government Services

JOINT MEDIA STATEMENT

Thursday 3 June 2021

TEMPORARY ASSISTANCE FOR WORKERS

Australians who have had their hours of work and income significantly affected due to state lockdowns, will be eligible for a temporary COVID Disaster Payment.

The rapid support will be paid weekly to those workers who reside or work in a Commonwealth declared hotspot and are therefore unable to attend work and earn an income as a result of state imposed health restrictions, which last for greater than one week.

Eligible recipients will receive up to $500 per week for losing 20 hours or more of work, and $325 per week for losing under 20 hours. They 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.

This support will be available for Australian citizens and permanent residents and eligible working visa holders. Individuals who are already receiving income support payments, business support payments, or the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment will not be eligible for this new payment. To qualify, people will need to have exhausted any leave entitlements (other than annual leave) or other special pandemic leave.

The payment will complement existing payments including the Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment.

By making these payments available, the Australian Government will ensure that Victorian workers get the financial support they need to stay at home during this outbreak.

Access to Services Australia Disaster Assistance will be open to the public from Tuesday at www.servicesaustralia.gov.au or over the phone on 180 22 66.

[ENDS]

Media Contacts: Prime Minister’s office: Press Office, (02) 6277 7744 Treasurer’s office: Kane Silom, 0438 225 175 Minister Littleproud’s office: Doug Ferguson, 0455 448 985 Minister Reynolds’ office: Hayley Morris, 0456 822 252 The Hon. Scott Morrison MP, Sydney