Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the payment, modelled off a scheme that already exists in Victoria, to ensure workers do not attend sick.

Individuals can apply for the pandemic leave payments by phoning 180 22 66.

People will be able to access the payment as many times as is required, if they are required to self-isolate multiple times.

The $1,500 payment will be available to workers who have exhausted their sick leave or do not have access to sick leave and have been directed to stay at home by public health officials.

Calling the pandemic a “disaster”, Mr Morrison said, “We need a disaster payment when it comes for people who have to isolate for a period of 14 days through no fault of their own, regardless of what job they’re in or employment they’re in – they need that support.”

While other states aren’t immediately eligible for the new pandemic leave disaster payment, Mr Morrison said that if they did reach the level of Victoria, they would receive similar financial support.

Noting that individuals on JobSeeker and JobKeeper recipients are already receiving income support, the Prime Minister said the new disaster payment will act the same way that the Victorian government payment does.

Mr Morrison also used the press briefing to encourage businesses affected by today’s closures across metropolitan Melbourne to apply for JobKeeper in anticipation of the prospective impact.

He also urged individuals to apply for JobSeeker, with mutual obligation arrangements being suspended “to ensure that people can continue to access those payments”. 

More to come.

About the author

Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

About the author

Grace Ormsby

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

Grace is a journalist on Momentum Media's nestegg. She enjoys being able to provide easy to digest information and practical tips for Australians with regard to their wealth, as well as having a platform on which to engage leading experts and commentators and leverage their insight.

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