Tomorrow (8 April 2020) the Morrison Government’s JobKeeper plan is expected to be passed by the Parliament, delivering a lifeline to regional businesses and jobs.
More than 300 employees with the Rex Gorell Family Group in Geelong are among thousands of workers in regional Victoria who will receive the $1500 a fortnight wage subsidy for six months.
The legislation will facilitate the payment to businesses which register through the Australian Tax Office.
It will include reforms to the Fair Work Act to ensure that employees whose businesses are affected by the economic impacts of coronavirus can pass on the $1500 per fortnight wage subsidy to eligible employees and not fall foul of other industrial laws regarding hours and pay.
This will allow businesses to pass on the payment quickly, simply and efficiently as possible to an estimated 6 million workers.
Employees working for the Rex Gorell Family Group as well as many businesses in the Geelong region – which have been severely impacted by the coronavirus – will now receive a $1500 a fortnight wage subsidy for the next six months.
Nearly 700,000 companies have to date registered for JobKeeper.
“The $130 billion JobKeeper payment will help keep Australians in jobs as we work together to combat this pandemic,” Senator Henderson said.
“This is all about keeping companies afloat and employees in a job. This is one of the most important pieces of legislation that the Parliament will deal with since World War II.
“I have been working with many companies including the Rex Gorell Family Group to lobby for this payment and support them in the lead up to the Bill being finalised.”
Rex Gorell Family Group managing director Paul Gorell said the plan provided a big boost to businesses trying to navigate the coronavirus crisis.
“JobKeeper will certainly allow us to retain the vast majority of our team.” Mr Gorell said.
“We will remain open providing mobility solutions for our customers in service and repairs, parts and sales.
“With the support provided, we will scale our business according to customer requirements and be ready to bounce back when this unprecedented event passes.
“The Rex Gorell Group has owned vehicle dealerships in Geelong for 40 years.
“We feel that the JobKeeper subsidy will not only assist our company but will provide thousands of Geelong residents’ job security while we ride out this storm.”
7 April 2020