We are all looking forward to the freedoms that high vaccination rates will provide, however, this will also bring about the scaling back of Federal Government Support. We have not yet had any indication from the NSW Government about how long their financial support measures (JobSaver and Micro-Business Grant) will continue for, however, the Federal Government has provided guidance on how Disaster payments will be scaled back. The Federal Government has made this announcement to try and minimise the use of lockdowns by State Governments to control outbreaks going forward. If you or your employees have been or continue to receive Disaster Payments, please read the important details below:

Covid-19 Disaster Payment

Currently, people who have lost at least 20 hours per week of work are receiving $750 per week and those who have lost 8-20 hours of work are receiving $450 per week. Currently, there is no reapplication process each week.

70% Vaccination

Once a State or Territory reaches 70% fully vaccinated (estimated 11 October 2021 for NSW) people will have to reapply each week for the payment.

80% Vaccination

When a State or Territory reaches 80% fully vaccinated (estimated 25 October 2021 for NSW), the payment will be phased out entirely within two weeks (estimated 8 November 2021 for NSW).

 In the first week at 80%, the payment will drop to a flat $450 per week for anyone who has lost 8 hours of work or more. The supplement for welfare recipients will drop from $200 per week to $100 per week
.In the second week, the payment will drop to $320 per week and welfare recipients will receive no additional support
.
 After that, workers will have to apply for unemployment benefits if they require financial support.



Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment

The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment, which provides $1,400 a fortnight to anyone who cannot work because they have to isolate, quarantine or care for someone with COVID-19; will remain in place until the end of June 2022.

We expect to hear more announcements about the future of the State and Federal Government financial support in the coming weeks as we edge closer to 80% fully vaccinated in NSW.
 

Should you have any questions, as always, please do not hesitate to contact us.