ACKNOWLEDGEMENT OF COUNTRY

The Australian Government acknowledges the Traditional Owners of Country throughout Australia and acknowledges their continuing connection to land, waters and community. We pay our respects to the people, the cultures and the Elders past and present.

Aboriginal and Torres Strait Islander people should be aware that this website may contain images, voices and names of deceased persons.

Indigenous.gov.au Connecting With First Nations Australians
Back to Stories

Support for businesses and their staff during the COVID-19 Crisis

01 April 2020
COVID-19
Yellow tile with the words JobKeeper Payment at the base and above them, a red panel with the words Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is having negative impacts on businesses, including many Indigenous businesses.

The Coronavirus (COVID-19) crisis is having negative impacts on businesses, including many Indigenous businesses. Some are finding it hard to keep their workers.

The $130 billion JobKeeper program will help businesses to cover the costs of their staff wages, so that more people can keep their job and income.

Workers will receive a fortnightly payment of $1,500 (before tax) through their employer.

The payment means businesses can stay connected to their workers and will help businesses restart quickly when the crisis is over.

If you own a business and it has been impacted by COVID-19, you can access the wages subsidy to continue paying your workers by making an application to the ATO.

If you are a full-time, part-time, or casual employee who has worked for an eligible business for at least 12 months, you will be eligible for the payment. Self-employed individuals are also eligible to receive the payment.

More information on the JobKeeper program and other measures to support Australian businesses is available at www.business.gov.au.