A wage subsidy payment to help keep businesses open and employees in jobs has been welcomed by Federal Member for Hinkler Keith Pitt.

“The Prime Minister has today announced a new JobKeeper program which will see an investment of $130 billion over six months for around 6 million Australian workers,” Mr Pitt said.

“This is about keeping people employed and businesses operating during this difficult situation we are currently in. Already we have seen local businesses adapting to continue trading and I hope this wage subsidy will make this easier.

“Through the JobKeeper program employers will be able to claim a fortnightly payment of $1,500 per eligible employee for a maximum of six months.

“It will apply to full time, part time and casuals who have been with the same employer for 12 months, as well as stood down employees.

“This is a significant investment to ensure that our economy keeps moving and people still have jobs to go to now and in the future.”

Parliament will need to be recalled to enable the passage of the legislation to introduce this measure.

Businesses can register interest now via the ATO website at: https://www.ato.gov.au/general/gen/JobKeeper-payment/

A factsheet about the JobKeeper payment for employers is available here and a factsheet for employees is also available here.