The federal government has been accused of taking too long to get coronavirus support payments into the community as only three per cent of the overall package has reached Australians.
On Tuesday, Treasury secretary Steven Kennedy told a Senate committee in Canberra that $10 billion worth of support has been paid over the last four weeks.
But Labor Senator Katy Gallagher said this was not enough.
"This is only a very small percentage of the overall package of the government of $320 billion, about three per cent of the total economic response," she said.
"Why is it taking so long to get money out the door when we are seeing people in such difficult financial circumstances?"
Mr Kennedy firmly defended the processes.
Secretary to the Treasury Steven Kennedy on Tuesday. Source: AAP
"So from my perspective - and this is of no benefit to those people who are in those circumstances you're talking about - these monies are running out remarkably quickly," he said.
"And they are running out quickly because we've got a high-quality ATO and ATO system and a very capable social security system.
"Making literally billions of dollars of payments within four weeks of their announcements - which I appreciate is of no comfort to the broader community that's been hit by these shutdowns - I would actually regard as a rapid payment of money."
Treasury deputy secretary Jenny Wilkinson told the Senate committee 540,000 businesses covering 3.3 million workers have registered for the $130 billion JobKeeper scheme.
It was also revealed 757,000 of the 762,000 applications for early access to superannuation have been approved, with payouts totalling $6.3 billion.
More than $4.5 billion has been paid out to businesses a week earlier than scheduled.
It comes one day after coronavirus supplement payments were due to start for those on welfare programs such as JobSeeker.
Staff wearing face masks outside the Royal Prince Alfred Hospital (RPA) in Camperdown, Sydney. Source: AAP
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Finance Minister Mathias Cormann will deliver updated economic statements when parliament resumes on 12 May.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080. If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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Additional reporting: AAP
