Another phase of JobKeeper-style support for struggling sectors is on the cards after Prime Minister Scott Morrison confirmed plans were being drafted.
The Prime Minister has confirmed plans are being drafted for another phase of JobKeeper-style support for struggling sectors beyond September. A possible replacement payment of $1100 a fortnight could be offered, which is just short of the current $1500 payment. More stringent requirements would likely be necessary for businesses to qualify for the subsidy which would replace the current JobKeeper scheme scheduled to end in September.
The government has also considered accelerating personal income tax cuts to turbo charge Australia's economic recovery. Meanwhile, Scott Morrison will today hold a teleconference with Japan's Prime Minister Shinzo Abe to discuss increased cooperation between the two nations' space agencies. Talks were expected to also focus on deepening defence and security ties as China conducted increased military exercises in the South China Sea.
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'We are all Melburnians now': PM offers support as Melbourne prepares for lockdown | Sky News AustraliaPrime Minister Scott Morrison has urged Melburnians to 'tough it out' as the city prepares for a six week lockdown starting from midnight.\n\nPremier Daniel Andrews has confirmed 134 new coronavirus cases in Victoria in the past 24 hours, 75 of which are from public housing towers across Melbourne.\n\nUnder the state's new lockdown measures - set to come into full force at midnight tonight - the state will remain closed for up to six weeks before the government considers easing restrictions.\n\nSpeaking to reporters ahead of the lockdown, Mr Morrison said the nation is completely behind Melbourne.\n\n'We will keep doing our job and I know Australians will keep doing theirs,' he said.\n\n'And right now, that job is if you’re a Melburnian, is to tough it out and it will be tough, but know the rest of the country is with you.\n\n'The rest of the country knows that the sacrifice that you’re going through right now is not just for you and your own family, but it’s for the broader Australian community. And I want to thank Melburnians.'\n\nThe prime minister said at this stage, the government does not believe lockdowns should be implemented nationwide.\n\n
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