The JobKeeper legislation passed through both houses of parliament on April 8, however the federal government resisted calls to extend the scheme to cover casual workers who had been with their employer for less than a year and people in Australia on temporary visas.
NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay has called on the Premier to stand up for temporary visa holders so they can use the same economic support measures and to raise this at National Cabinet.
Ms McKay pointed out that these temporary visa holders pay federal income tax and the GST like everyone else.
“I think that the important thing to remember is that those who are working here actually pay tax like everyone else, they pay the GST, they contribute to our economy,” Ms McKay told SBS Radio Korean Program.
“And for us it makes sense that they're included in the JopKeeper and JobSeeker programs.”
She also said apart from the JobKeeper and Jobseeker payments, other COVID-19 financial assistance programs should not exclude temporary visa holders.
“I think there are two things we've just got to keep pushing for financial support for those who've lost their jobs, who are on temporary visas, but the second part of that is when there are other programs of assistance, we have to make sure that they're not excluded,” Ms McKay said.
“That's really important so that everyone is treated equally.”
SBS Radio Korean program conducted an interview with NSW Labor Leader Jodi McKay about the plight of temporary visa holders resulting from COVID-19 pandemic.
[The Full interview is available on the podcast above]
