The federal government’s $130 billion JobKeeper Payment legislation aims to save millions of jobs, keep companies in business and help shelter the Australian economy from the coronavirus crisis. Yet more than two million workers are estimated to receive nothing at all.
Casuals who have worked for an employee for less than 12 months, temporary visa holders and local government employees are all exempt.
The JobKeeper plan, hailed as the “biggest economic lifeline” in the nation’s history, will deliver $1,500 fortnightly payments to some six million people.
The response came after thousands of Australians contacted Centrelink for urgent help, with many forced to queue outside its offices for hours.
Q&A Feature: So you've missed out on JobKeeper access: Here's what support is still available to you
