Joint statement on the extension of JobKeeper scheme
The Queensland Chamber of Commerce and Industry and the Queensland Council of Unions jointly call on the Federal Government to extend and expand the JobKeeper scheme to protect businesses and workers still experiencing impacts of COVID-19.
The extension of JobKeeper is critical so Queenslanders and Australians can feed their families and maintain a connection to their employment.
Thousands of workers in the hospitality, tourism, retail, entertainment, aviation and other industries are yet to return to their jobs, due to ongoing external factors impacting business operations.
Ending the JobKeeper scheme in September will add pressure to already stretched businesses in a lagging economy, especially with the next wave of job losses expected to hit the education sector and professional services and as demand for manufacturing continues to decline.
Governments across Australia responded swiftly and positively to the health and economic impacts of COVID-19 and are to be commended for their actions, but this support needs to continue.
JobKeeper has kept workers connected to their employers, ensuring critical skills and knowledge will be retained in businesses for the later recovery phase.
We fear if JobKeeper ends in September it will have a devastating impact on businesses, workers and the economy generally.
Australians without work in these difficult times need a sense of hope and security.
We are ready to work with you for a better outcome for Queenslanders and Australians.
Yours Sincerely,
Michael Clifford, General Secretary
Queensland Council of Unions
Stephen Tait, Chief Executive Officer,
Chamber of Commerce and Industry Queensland