The number of Australians employed in manufacturing jobs has collapsed to its lowest level on record as economists urge the Morrison government to extend support programs
being paid to more than 2.2 million welfare recipients by $300 a fortnight. The JobKeeper wage subsidy is also due to be reduced from next week, although it has been extended well into 2021.Scope survey show near unanimity in pushing up the JobSeeker payment for the unemployed and extending JobKeeper.St George Bank chief economist Besa Deda says Australia should be able to find the right mix of policies to support those in work and looking for it.
"Australia is a developed economy that should be able to find the right mix of support and work incentive for those looking for work."Westpac chief economist Bill Evans said the new level of JobSeeker, including the coronavirus supplement, should be made permanent while arguing the JobKeeper payment had to be tailored to particular sectors.
"JobKeeper after the March quarter will depend on the state of the economy; some industries, particularly in travel, accommodation, hospitality, transport which are directly affected by foreign border closures, should still be able to retain staff," he said. Independent economist Saul Eslake said JobSeeker should be set at a proportion of the age pension, and JobKeeper should be extended.
"The JobKeeper subsidy should be extended for as long as governments continue to impose restrictions on the movement and gathering of people for health reasons, although it should be possible to restrict payments to employers who are affected by those restrictions," he said.The most important news, analysis and insights delivered to your inbox at the start and end of each day. Sign up to
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