Coronavirus: A very important message from Senator Sarah Henderson
At this very difficult time for our nation, I wish to convey a blunt but very important message about the Coronavirus or Covid19: what you do and the decisions you make can and will save lives, including possibly your own life.
The Coronavirus is incredibly infectious. Unless we flatten the curve and slow down the spread of this virus, our hospitals will not be able to cope with the number of people who fall seriously ill and need an ICU bed and the highest level of care.
As explained in my video above, it is critical you comply with all advice including:
- Social distancing which means be at least 1.5 metres away from everyone whenever possible;
- Good hygiene and infection control – such as washing hands frequently, coughing or sneezing into your elbow, not touching your face;
- Staying at home if you are sick;
- Not leaving your home if you are required to self-isolate;
- Complying with all “lock down” regulations (currently pubs, restaurants, clubs, cinemas, churches and gyms must close except to provide takeaway); and
- No hoarding of food, supplies or medicines, buy only what you are need.
A 24/7 National Coronavirus Health Information Line is available on 1800 020 080.
For all information on Covid19 including health advice, travel restrictions, lock downs and the unprecedented economic support the Morrison Government is providing, the central information website is australia.gov.au. Please scroll down for more details on the support we are providing to Australian households, businesses and workers.
Locally, I have established the Volunteer Connect initiative to support the most vulnerable in our community, particularly those who are elderly, immune suppressed or who have a chronic disease or disability. If you can volunteer or if you need urgent help, please click here.
Please take care. As your regional Senator for Victoria, don’t hesitate to get in touch if I can assist in any way.
Sarah Henderson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
Economic support package delivered
Last night, the Australian Parliament passed an unprecedented package of economic measures and support to combat the impact of the Coronavirus pandemic.
First $17.6 billion package
On 12 March 2020, the Morrison Liberal Government announced a $17.6 billion package of measures for small and medium business and households including a $750 payment for Australians on income support. More than 1.5 million Victorians will receive this payment.
Second $66 billion package
Our second $66 billion package provides further vital support for businesses and households including by:
- doubling the Jobseeker allowance (formerly Newstart) through a temporary Coronavirus supplement of $550 a fortnight, with the asset test and waiting periods waived;
- providing another $750 to pensioners and those on income support (who are not eligible for the Coronavirus supplement) from 13 July;
- allowing early, tax-free access to superannuation capped at $20,000 for those eligible for the Coronavirus supplement as well as eligible sole traders; and
- increasing cash payments to small and medium businesses (SMEs) and not for profit organisations from $25,000 to $100,000 to boost cashflow and keep workers employed, supporting the jobs of about two million Victorians.
$40 billion reserve
The Government has also set aside a further $40 billion for urgent and unforeseen spending associated with the pandemic.
Banking support of $105 billion
Some $105 billion has been injected into the financial system by the Government and the Reserve Bank by lowering the cost and increasing the supply of credit, particularly for small and medium sized businesses. The Government is also guaranteeing loans of up to $250,000 for three years to SMEs, in partnership with the banks and other lenders.
For more information
Please go to australia.gov.au for all the details of this economic package including the best way to secure financial support and register with Centrelink if you have been stood down from your employment or lost your job.
Please watch to learn how to practice Good Hygiene
