The package is expected to include a $1,500 a fortnight 'job keeper' allowance for those whose employers go into 'hibernation' for the next six months, Seven News reported on Sunday night. As well as the wage subsidy, there is also expected to be an easing of restrictions on claiming benefits, and rental assistance for both business and individuals. Labor's industrial relation's spokesman Tony Burke said a wage subsidy needed to be implemented urgently. 'I think a wage subsidy is critical at this juncture ... because we have such a significant amount of jobs losses,' Mr Hogan told Sky News. That would see the unemployment rate soar from 5.1 per cent as of February to somewhere above, between 15 and 17 per cent.'

Source: Daily Mail March 29, 2020 20:28 UTC