If people can't work, the least we can do is support them

People in Sydney’s lockdown will receive financial support, but politicians say it should’ve happened weeks ago

Australia’s Prime Minister, Scott Morrison has announced financial relief for those stuck in lockdowns in New South Wales. Sydney has reported 177 new cases of COVID-19, as the state’s premier Gladys Beijiklian extends the city’s lockdown by four weeks.

The Morrison Government will increase its support payments to $750 a week, for those subject to the stay-at-home orders. In addition, they will boost support for welfare recipients who have lost work. Scott Morrison says the state has his full support.

The financial assistance is welcome news but the Shadow Minister for Finance, Stephen Jones says it’s too little, too late.

“The Federal Government has stuffed up the vaccine program, so the least they can do is ensure there is the right sort of support for individuals and businesses.”
Shadow minister finance, stephen jones

The Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney, Jess Scully, says too many people are falling through the cracks and there needs to be more “accessible and consistent” financial support for all industries.

“We need something more accessible and consisten, like JobKeeper.”
Lord mayor of sydney, jess scully

"We need something more accessible and consistent, like #JobKeeper."
– Deputy Lord Mayor of Sydney @jessaroo on financial support for people during #Sydneylockdown pic.twitter.com/uqgZoyppUY
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) July 28, 2021

Financial support long after lockdown

The financial support will keep the majority of businesses and individuals afloat, while the lockdown is extended for another month. However, there is an increasing concern for the deteriorating situation.

There are fears the lockdown will go longer than four weeks, and when it does Scully and Jones want the financial support to be there.

“This doesn’t end when the lockdown ends, we need continued financial support.”
lord mayor of sydney, jess scully

"This doesn't end when the lockdown ends."

– Sydney's Deputy Lord Mayor @jessaroo on continued financial support for people in #Sydneylockdown pic.twitter.com/Xc3iT7HyjO
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) July 28, 2021

“If we’re telling people they can’t go to work, then the least we need to do is support them.”
shadow minister for finance, stephen jones

"If we're telling people they can't go to work, then the least we need to do is support them."
– Shadow Minister for Finance @StephenJonesMP on #Sydneylockdown pic.twitter.com/7BDj2fXGdB
— ticker NEWS (@tickerNEWSco) July 28, 2021

The recovery

However, when Sydney brings its outbreak under control, the recovery will be far from easy. Scully says the Sydney Council will focus on a Culture lead recovery.

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