Breaking news: An update from Senator Sarah Henderson on the $130 billion JobKeeper plan
Our government’s first duty is to protect the lives and livelihoods of Australians.
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures.
A few hours ago, Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced an unprecedented wage subsidy scheme – the $130 billion JobKeeper plan.
Effective today, all employees working for eligible companies impacted by the Coronavirus (ie companies with revenue falls of more than 30% or 50% for large companies) will receive a $1500 a fortnight wage subsidy for 6 months. This includes not just full-time and part-time workers but sole traders and casuals who’ve been with their employer for more than 12 months.
This is a flat wage subsidy, equivalent to 70 per cent of the median wage, and does not discriminate. The JobKeeper payment extends to employees who were on the books as at 1 March 2020 and is all about Australians keeping their jobs. It brings to $360 billion the total amount of economic support being provided at this very difficult time for our nation.
Please click here for the Prime Minister’s media release.
As you will see below, this Coronavirus Update provides an overview of the latest news as well as health advice, social distancing restrictions and details about where to seek support.
Our Government stands with you every step of the way. Together, we can get through this and out the other side.
Sarah Henderson
Liberal Senator for Victoria
NEWS
Restrictions
Public gatherings, excluding household members, have been reduced to a maximum of two people. Check State & Territory websites for further enforcement information.
Stay home
Everyone should stay home unless you are: shopping for essentials, receiving medical care, exercising or travelling to work or education. People aged over 70, aged over 60 with pre-existing conditions, or Indigenous people aged over 50 should stay home wherever possible for their own protection.
Renters
Evictions will be put on hold for 6 months by the States & Territories. Landlords & renters are encouraged to talk about short term agreements. More information to come this week.
JobKeeper payment
The Government has announced a $130 billion JobKeeper Payment to keep more Australians in jobs and support businesses affected by the Coronavirus.
Self isolating?
If you are in self-isolation because you are confirmed or suspected to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, use this form to help us track the spread of the virus → aus.gov.au/covid-form
Safety net
A safety net package of $1.1 billion has been announced by the Prime Minister to expand mental health and telehealth services, increase domestic violence services and provide more emergency food relief.
Stay informed
Download the official government “Coronavirus Australia” app in the Apple App Store and on Google Play.
Travel
All travellers returning home from overseas will be quarantined in a hotel or designated facility for 14 days.
Closures
Pubs, licensed clubs and hotels (excluding accommodation), gyms, skateparks, indoor sporting venues, cinemas, beauty salons, play centres and outside playgrounds, places of worship and other public places must be closed. There are restrictions on attendance at weddings, funerals and outdoor fitness classes. Supermarkets and pharmacies remain open. Check State & Territory Government sites for full details.
LATEST NUMBERS
As at 6:00am on 30 March 2020, there have been 4,093 confirmed cases of COVID-19 in Australia. Of these cases, 284 were confirmed within 24 hours prior to this time.
Of the 4,093 confirmed cases in Australia, 16 have died from COVID-19. More than 214,000 tests have been conducted across Australia.
Stay home
Australian Capital Territory – 77
New South Wales – 1,918
Northern Territory – 14
Queensland – 656
South Australia – 287
Tasmania – 61
Victoria – 769
Western Australia – 311
CHECK YOUR SYMPTOMS
Common symptoms of COVID-19 include:
– coughing
– fatigue
– fever
– shortness of breath
– sore throat
Online symptom checker
You can also use the Coronavirus (COVID-19) Symptom checker → aus.gov.au/symptom-checker
Have symptoms?
If you are sick & think you have symptoms, book an appointment to seek medical advice. Find your nearest health centre → aus.gov.au/health-services
The doctor will tell you if you should be tested. They will arrange for a test if needed.
Self isolating?
If you are in self-isolation because you are confirmed or suspected to have Coronavirus (COVID-19), or have been in close contact with a confirmed case, use this form to help us track the spread of the virus → aus.gov.au/covid-form
If you are having a medical emergency call 000.
PROTECT YOURSELF & OTHERS
Everyone MUST practice good hygiene
It protects against infection & prevents the virus spreading.
🤧 Cover your coughs & sneezes with your elbow or a tissue
Put used tissues straight into the bin
🧼 Wash your hands often with soap & water (including before & after eating & after going to the toilet)
Use alcohol-based hand sanitisers
Avoid touching your eyes, nose & mouth
You MUST also practice:
– Social distancing → aus.gov.au/social-distancing
– Limits on public gatherings → aus.gov.au/public-gatherings
– Self-isolation (self-quarantine) → aus.gov.au/self-isolation (where necessary)
Cleaning
🧹 Clean & disinfect frequently used surfaces such as benchtops, desks & doorknobs
Clean & disinfect frequently used objects such as mobile phones, keys, wallets & work passes
🌬 Increase fresh air available by opening windows or adjusting air conditioning
SUPPORT FOR PEOPLE & FAMILIES
If you’re affected by coronavirus, Services Australia can help with information and services for:
Carers → aus.gov.au/carers
Families → aus.gov.au/families
Indigenous Australians → aus.gov.au/indigenous
Job seekers → aus.gov.au/job-seekers
Older Australians → aus.gov.au/older-australians
People with disability → aus.gov.au/disability
Rural and remote residents → aus.gov.au/rural-remote
Students and trainees → aus.gov.au/students-trainees
If you haven’t received a payment → aus.gov.au/you-dont-receive-payment
Mental health and other support
Get support and advice for:
Mental health → aus.gov.au/headtohealth
Family and domestic violence → aus.gov.au/family-domestic-violence
SUPPORT FOR BUSINESSES
If your business has been significantly impacted by Coronavirus find out how to access the JobKeeper payment. → aus.gov.au/jobkeeper
If you need support for your business and employees, you can find information including financial assistance, eligibility & timing for government support by going to: aus.gov.au/support-for-business
TRAVEL
International
An international travel ban is in place for all Australians.
All travellers to Australia or Australians returning from overseas are required to quarantine for 14 days in a hotel or designated facility.
🦘 Within Australia
Only essential travel within Australia should occur at this time. TAS, NT, WA, QLD & SA border closures. Anyone entering these states or territories are required to self-isolate for 14 days.
Self-isolating?
For information on how to self-isolate (self-quarantine) go to → aus.gov.au/self-isolation
STAY INFORMED
For more details on restrictions in Victoria, see the Victorian Government’s website.
Via the official Coronavirus app on your AppStore: https://apps.apple.com/au/story/id1504899584
Via whatsapp Download whatsapp and go to https://aus.gov.au/whatsapp
