Dear Friend,

We are living in unprecedented times. 

Across the world, countries are facing twin battles – against coronavirus and against the economic ruin it can threaten. 

Now is the time for Australia to dig deep. 

Over the next six months, the Government will support the jobs and livelihoods of what we anticipate being around six million Australians who will need a lifeline. 

We have already boosted the JobSeeker payment for those who lose their jobs.

Now, the Government is introducing a JobKeeper payment of $1,500 per employee, per fortnight. 

This will be paid to employers, to keep people in jobs. 

We want to keep the engine of our economy running through the crisis. It may run on idle for a time, but it must continue to run. 

By keeping employers and workers together, we can help our economy bounce back.

The JobKeeper payment is a uniquely Australian solution, carefully designed using our systems, to work in our country. Most important, it is built on our values as Australians. 

The JobKeeper payment is available to employers whose turnover has fallen by 30% or more (where annual turnover is less than $1 billion). Employers with a turnover of $1 billion or more will be required to demonstrate a reduction of 50% or more. 

It is available to full and part time workers, sole traders, and casuals who have been with their employer for 12 months or more.

It is available to businesses structured through companies, partnerships, trusts and sole traders, as well as not-for-profit entities, including charities. 

It is available for workers that are on an employer’s books as of 1 March. This means if you’re an employer who's been forced to retrench workers, you can put them back on your books and receive this $1,500 payment. 

The JobKeeper payment will be administered through the Australian Tax Office. 

As with our other support measures, we are using existing delivery mechanisms to ensure support gets out, without the difficulties that come with designing a whole new system. 

Under our system, there is not more support for some than others. Every worker is treated the same way. This is fair.

Every arm of government and industry is working to keep Australians in jobs and businesses in business, and to build a bridge to recovery on the other side. 

We will continue to do what it takes to ensure Australia bounces back stronger. 

For information and updates, please go to: www.australia.gov.au

Regards,

Scott Morrison
Prime Minister of Australia