Breaking: Aussie workers to receive $1500 a fortnight, Scott Morrison announces

The government will subsidise the pay packets of low- to middle-income earners under the threat of being stood down because of COVID-19.

Businesses will be paid up to $1,500 a fortnight for each employee, as part of a “job keeper allowance” announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Monday.

The $130 billion package is expected to cover the next six months and affect as many as six million Australians.

Workers who have already been stood down will be eligible for the per-employee allowance, if they were on the businesses’ books on March 1.

The payment will apply to part-time and well as full-time workers, as well as sole traders and freelancers, and will be rolled out in the first week of May.

It will be backdated to March 30.

Morrison said $1,500 per employee subsidy represented 70 per cent of the medium wage and 100 per cent of the average wage of those working in sectors hardest high by COVID-19 - retail, hospitality and tourism.

The income test has also been raised significantly, with partners of those receiving benefits now permitted to earn up to $79,762 - up from $48,000 - a year before the unemployed partner loses eligibility for assistance.

“Now is the time to dig deep,” Morrison said.

“We are living in unprecedented times. With the twin battles that we face and that we fight against - a virus and against the economic ruin that it can threaten.

“This calls for unprecedented action.”

Originally published on 7News.