2020-08-07
Greens Leader Adam Bandt says today's announcement that the government will expand JobKeeper suggests lessons have not been learned from the first round of JobKeeper, meaning millions in need will continue to miss out.
“The Government has shown today how easy it is to expand eligibility,” Greens Leader, Adam Bandt, said today.
“While we welcome an expansion, this was surely an opportunity to fill the gaps that see millions of workers unfairly missing out on JobKeeper.
“The biggest lesson we’re learning from COVID-19 is that you can’t leave anyone behind. It’s important that we provide everyone with the support they need to be able to cope with this pandemic and ensure restrictions have the best chance of working.
"JobKeeper must be expanded to include childcare workers, casuals, university staff and workers on temporary visas.
Don’t cut the rate
“It’s also very concerning that the Liberal/Labor agreement to cut JobSeeker continues unabated. We can never return to supports below the poverty line, and the Greens are the only party pushing for it to be retained at $1,100 a fortnight,” Bandt said.