Coronavirus Economic Package

Key details are:

• $585 a week wage subsidy for 12 weeks, cost $5.1 billion. Have to show 30% revenue drop. Up to approx 20 staff maximum
• $585 a week also for workers or contractors who self-isolate
• Pay sick leave for anyone with Coronavirus – $126m
• $500 million for Vote Health
• Permanent $25 a week boost for beneficiaries – $2.8 billion
• Winter Energy Payment doubled from $450 to $900
• $2.8bn of tax changes for businesses -waive some interest, more asset deductions

Much of the package is sensible. I suspect a wage subsidy will be needed for far longer than 12 weeks.

I am surprised that there is no direct support for families who keep working. Those out of work get a reasonable boost, but those in work do not.