Concerns over COVID-19 disaster payments being discontinued

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announced the COVID-19 disaster payments, used to support Australians who have lost work because of COVID-19 lockdowns, will cease once vaccination rates hit 80 per cent in each state and territory.

Advocates are concerned with the Federal government’s metric because more than a million Australians in lockdown areas are applying for the payment.

The Australian Council of Social Service wants the government to continue supporting Australians with no work, on social welfare, and non-residents who have lost work during the pandemic.

Produced By: Eduardo Jordan

Featured In Story: Dr Cassandra Goldie – Chief Executive Officer of the Australian Council of Social Service

First aired on The Wire, Friday 1 October 2021