National Cabinet’s decision to extend paid pandemic leave payments beyond Friday 30 September has been welcomed by Monbulk MP James Merlino, after First Ministers met on Wednesday 14 September.
The Pandemic Leave Disaster Payment (PLDP) will remain available as long as all states and territories apply mandatory isolation periods, and was set to expire at the end of the month.
Mr Merlino said he was “pleased” to see National Cabinet agree to extend the provision of pandemic leave payments.
“People in Monbulk should be financially supported if the public health advice is that they are required to isolate,” Mr Merlino said.
“This means that people won’t have to choose between putting food on the table or isolating to keep others safe.”
First Ministers agreed to cap the maximum number of PLDP claims an individual can make in a six month period to three in an effort to curb fraud related to the scheme, according to the Canberra Times.
Workers in high risk settings unable to work during their seven day isolation period can access $450 if they have lost at least eight hours or a full day’s pay, but less than 20 hours.
$750 is available if a high risk worker has lost 20 hours or more of work.
Those not working in a high risk workplace who are unable to work during their five day isolation period, can access a $450 payment with the loss of at least a day’s work, but less than 20 hours.
National Cabinet also agreed the Commonwealth would continue 50:50 cost-sharing arrangement for the payment with states and territories in a scheme that has already cost $2.2 billion to date, according to the Canberra Times.
For more information on the Pandemic Relief Disaster Payment, visit https://www.servicesaustralia.gov.au/pandemic-leave-disaster-payment
