Extension of JobKeeper payment announced by the Government

By Optometry Australia

We recently wrote to the Federal Treasurer, Josh Frydenberg, strongly advocating for JobKeeper to be extended.

We stressed the importance of support to the optometry sector, to enable members to provide vital eye health care to the Australian community.

We were therefore pleased that the scheme is to be extended, although we have reservations on the potential lower level of support that may result from the changes.

As announced this week, the Morrison government will cut the JobKeeper wage subsidy at the end of September to $1200 a fortnight for full-time workers and to $750 for part-time workers, down from the current single rate of $1500. The scheme is being extended for six months, until March 28 next year, but will be revised down further at the start of January to $1000 for full-time workers and $650 for part-time employees working 20 hours a week or less.

More info are available on the ATO page and on the Treasury website.

Optometry Australia CEO Lyn Brodie said: “We are pleased to see the JobKeeper extension announced, and that eligible optometry practices will be able to access the scheme. We know that many practices, particularly those in areas operating under stage 3 restrictions, continue to experience reduced turnover, and will benefit from this extended support. We will continue to monitor government initiatives to ensure they meet the sector’s needs”.