NSW to continue funding JobSaver when vaccine targets hit, lockdown extended for 18 regional LGAs

The New South Wales government will continue to support the JobSaver program even once the 80 per cent double vaccination target is hit, albeit on a lower level in lieu of Federal Government plans to withdraw the support payments.

It comes as stay-at-home orders for 18 regional local government areas (LGAs) in NSW are extended until 11 October due to the ongoing COVID-19 public health risk, and the introduction of lockdown restrictions for the Snowy Monaro region from 3pm today.

The state government’s plan for JobSaver, a program designed to assist NSW businesses in maintaining employee headcount, will see it continue payments without Federal Government contribution.

When NSW reaches the 70 per cent double dose vaccination rate JobSaver payments will be tapered from 40 per cent to 30 per cent of weekly payroll.

However, at 80 per cent, the joint Commonwealth and NSW JobSaver payments will cease, but the state will continue to fund its 50 per cent contribution but tapered from 30 per cent to 15 per cent of weekly payroll.

Eventually, all JobSaver payments will end on 30 November, coinciding with the relaxation of restrictions.

The announcement follows the Federal Government's announcement it would phase out COVID-19 disaster payments once state and territory governments achieve certain vaccination targets.

Once jurisdictions hit the 80 per cent fully vaccinated milestone the temporary disaster payments will step down over a period of two weeks before ending.

NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the extension of JobSaver would work alongside the state’s roadmap out of lockdown, giving businesses certainty until the beginning of December when most restrictions will be eased.

“The continuation of JobSaver over the next two months will give businesses across NSW the financial boost they need to get them through the challenge of re-opening their doors,” Berejiklian said.

“The light at the end of the tunnel is so close, and this support will help see businesses and workers out to the other side and prepare them for re-launch.”

The state government also announced today that once NSW reaches the 80 per cent double vaccination target the micro-business grant will continue to be available at a rate of $750 a fortnight, before ceasing on 30 November.

The jointly-funded Commonwealth and NSW government business support package, including JobSaver, has provided a $7 billion financial lifeline to businesses over the past three months.

Over the next two months, this support will increase to almost $12 billion provided to NSW businesses to make it through the Delta outbreak.

Regional LGAs see lockdown extended

Due to ongoing outbreaks of COVID-19, 18 regional local government areas (LGAs) will remain under lockdown until 11 October.

Stay-at-home orders will be extended for the following LGAs until 11 October: Bathurst Regional, Bourke, City of Broken Hill, Central Coast, City of Cessnock, Dubbo Regional, Eurobodalla, Goulburn Mulwaree, Kiama, City of Lake Macquarie, City of Lithgow, City of Maitland, City of Newcastle, Port Stephens, Queanbeyan-Palerang Regional, City of Shellharbour, City of Shoalhaven, and Wingecarribee.

Due to the recent transmission of COVID-19, stay-at-home orders will be introduced for the Snowy Monaro LGA from 3pm today for seven days. These stay-at-home orders also apply to anyone who has been to the Snowy Monaro LGA since 22 September.

Meanwhile, the LGAs of Mid-Western Regional, Hilltops and Walgett will emerge from lockdown tomorrow as scheduled.

For the Central Darling Shire Council, stay-at-home orders will be lifted from tomorrow, with the exceptions of Wilcannia and Menindee. Stay-at-home orders will be extended in Menindee for a further seven days and in Wilcannia until 11 October.

Updated at 12.28pm AEST on 30 September 2021.

This update is brought to you by Employment Hero.

Click here to go to Employment Hero’s COVID-19 Resource Hub for essential resources to help employers, managers and HR specialists navigate the ongoing pandemic.