Elevated Jobseeker payments extended but at a reduced rate

People looking for work will continue to receive a coronavirus supplement until the end of March. The $250 payment had been due to expire at the end of this year but will now be extended into 2021 but at a lower rate.

Source: AAP

The Federal Government is yet to set a new permanent rate for the JobSeeker unemployment benefit.  It replaced what used to be called Newstart - an unemployment benefit that amounted to about 40 dollars per day.  Social Services Minister Anne Ruston says the government wants to see more people back in the workforce. Labor leader Anthony Albanese says the supplement should not be reduced when unemployment is likely to rise.