The Federal Government has significantly relaxed the eligibility requirements for charity workers to be eligible for the JobKeeper coronavirus wage subsidy, ABC News reports.
Last week the Government announced the $1,500 a fortnight payment to keep Australians in work.
The $130 billion support package included thresholds for charities and not-for-profit organisations to be eligible.
Under the initial arrangements those with a turnover of less than $1 billion needed to have recorded a drop in revenue of at least 30 per cent.
Charities with a turnover above that figure were only able to claim the payment if their revenue had halved.
But late on Sunday night Treasurer Josh Frydenberg revealed a compromise deal with a significantly lower eligibility threshold, after it had earlier been revealed that eligibility could be broadened.
He said charities registered with the national regulator would be able to access the JobKeeper payment if they were hit with a 15 per cent decline in turnover.
“Legislation to be introduced into the Parliament this week will include a concessional test for ACNC (Australian Charities and Not-for-profits Commission) registered charities given the benefit they provide to the Australian community,” Mr Frydenberg said in a statement.
Community Council for Australia (CCA) chair Tim Costello said the Government’s announcement followed written representations from a number of charities about the need for the original measures to be reconsidered.
“This is very welcome news for charities across Australia. Many are already doing it tough, having to stand down staff, close down services,” Reverend Costello said.
The Government estimates there are 57,000 charities operating in Australia.
FULL STORY
Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg announces more charity workers eligible for JobKeeper payments (ABC News)
Making it easier for charities to access JobKeeper (Mirage News)
Tim Costello $200m for charities welcome – but we’ll need more, much more (Eternity News)
