On 21 July, the Australian Government announced changes to the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments. Key changes include:
- An extension of the JobKeeper payment through to 28 March 2021. These changes do not impact JobKeeper payments until after 28 September 2020.
- The JobKeeper payment rate of $1,500 per fortnight for eligible employees and business participants will be reduced to $1,200 per fortnight from 28 September 2020 and to $1,000 per fortnight from 4 January 2021.
- From 28 September 2020, lower JobKeeper payment rates will apply for employees and business participants that worked fewer than 20 hours per week.
- temporarily expanded eligibility for income support payments – including the JobSeeker Payment.
The Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight is available until 24 September 2020. Beyond this date, the Coronavirus Supplement will be available at $250 per fortnight until 31 December 2020.
