This article is sponsored by Tanya Plibersek MP, Federal Member for Sydney. Authorised by Tanya Plibersek MP, 1A Great Buckingham St, Redfern NSW 2016 T: 02 9379 0700
E: Tanya.Plibersek.MP@aph.gov.au
COVID-19
This is an unprecedented, frightening time for a lot of us.
Our priority must always be to keep ourselves and each other safe and healthy. I urge you to closely follow the advice of our health authorities.
I know people are also very worried about the impact of COVID-19 on their livelihoods. Some are facing the very real prospect of losing their jobs, or having their salaries cut. Others have sadly already experienced this.
Labor will do everything we can to protect jobs,
help workers, businesses, families, and communities through this difficult time. In particular, we must ensure vulnerable Australians are supported.
It is important we take care of one another. Just because we are practicing social distancing or isolation doesn’t mean we need to be lonely. Reach out to family and friends over the phone or on social media. If you can, give someone a video call to make sure they are okay. It has been heart warming to see the kindness being extended by neighbours and friends.
And please remember: supermarkets will remain open, there is no need to panic buy!
STAYING UP-TO-DATE
Information on COVID-19 is changing frequently and therefore information is quickly becoming out of date.
For the latest health information, you should visit www.health.gov.au. You can phone your GP if you are worried you have the virus, or call the 1800 020 080 national phone line.
If you are a small business, you can find out more information about the support being offered at www.treasury.gov.au/coronavirus
You can also find out more about changes to social security and accessing Centrelink at www.treasury.gov. au/coronavirus
The Australian Government has announced a number of social security measures to support people during this challenging time, including:
The Coronavirus Supplement – an additional payment of $550 per fortnight to Australians who get income support payments including JobSeekers, Youth Allowance, Parenting Payment, Farm Household Allowance and Special Benefit. This will be available for the next six months.
Waiving the liquid assets waiting period for JobSeekers Payment.
A second one-off payment of $750 (to be paid in July 2020) as part of the second economic stimulus announcement. However, Labor is concerned that this is too long a wait, and we have written to the Government asking them to bring this forward.
As the situation is constantly evolving, please visit the websites listed above for the most up-to-date and accurate information.
MY OFFICE: HERE TO HELP
My electorate office is still operating to provide support with Centrelink, Veterans’ Affairs, Medicare, Immigration, NBN and other federal matters.
IF YOU NEED ASSISTANCE please call my office on (02) 9379 0700 or email me: tanya.plibersek.mp@aph.gov.au.
Stay up to date, keep safe.
