JobKeeper to keep backing business: CCIQ

Tuesday 21 July, 2020

The extension of the JobKeeper scheme will give business the support it needs to continue operating through the COVID crisis, said the Chamber Of Commerce and Industry Queensland (CCIQ).

CCIQ wrote to the Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, last week stressing the importance of continuing the scheme, as businesses are still severely impacted and for the ongoing security and employment of staff.

The JobKeeper scheme will maintain its current form until 27 September. After September, it will continue with some changes; including a tiered payment system for casual workers and businesses will have to meet eligibility criteria.

CCIQ’s senior policy advisor, Gus Mandigora, said the reviewed scheme implements effective changes to give business the ongoing support they need to keep their doors open and their staff employed.

“For businesses, knowing the current scheme will be in place as planned, gives them confidence to continue with their plans.

“And now having this foresight of knowing it will continue gives them the ability to plan further ahead, which is exactly what they need.”

“In Queensland, we have regions heavily reliant on tourism and hospitality, such as the Gold Coast and Cairns, and for them normal operations are still a long way off.  But a high percentage of local employment relies on those businesses keeping their doors open, and this extension will allow that to happen.

“This extension enables businesses to keep their staff employed, allowing then to actively contribute to our economy as we all continue down the road of recovery,” Mr Mandigora said.

ENDS  

Acknowledgement of Country

Business Chamber Queensland respectfully acknowledges the Traditional Owners and custodians of the lands from across Queensland and the Torres Strait. We acknowledge the Jagera and Turrbal people as the Traditional Custodians of Meanjin (Brisbane), the lands where our office is located and the place we meet, work and learn. We pay our respects to Elders past and present.