Invest
Advocates call out disaster payment blind spots
Critics say that the government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment scheme is riddled with flaws.
Advocates call out disaster payment blind spots
Critics say that the government’s COVID-19 Disaster Payment scheme is riddled with flaws.

As Sydney and other cities re-introduce lockdowns and firmer restrictions on their citizens, the Australian Council of Social Services has called on the federal government to address gaps in existing support measures for those affected.
“While we welcomed that the federal government adopted our proposal to put in place disaster-type payments for lockdowns, there are major gaps in these payments and many are being left to struggle without enough support,” said ACOSS CEO Dr Cassandra Goldie.
Brought in following Melbourne’s most recent COVID-19 outbreak, the COVID-19 Disaster Payment scheme provides eligible individuals with $325 per week for people who lose less than 20 hours of paid work per week due to a lockdown or $500 for people who lose 20 or more hours.
Importantly, the payment does not cover the first seven days of a lockdown and does not support individuals receiving any form of social security or financial support from the government.

In a statement, ACOSS argued that “payments should apply for the entire duration of lockdowns, not just after the first week. In the event the duration of a lockdown is not known from the outset, people should be back paid for the first week of the lockdown.”
The organisation also criticised the strings attached to the payment.
“We welcome that the COVID Disaster Payment applies to people on temporary working visas. However, most international students on these visas are only allowed to work 20 hours per week so will only be eligible for the lower payment, which is below the poverty line and only slightly higher than the current JobSeeker rate,” they said.
Dr Goldie called on the government to increase the JobSeeker rate.
According to her, “Getting by on the paltry rate of JobSeeker is impossible at the best of times, let alone in a lockdown, when there are additional costs for people to stay safe. The reality is, it is easier to protect yourself and others from COVID when you have a safe roof over head.”
“In addition to fixing the COVID Disaster Payment, we urgently need JobSeeker and Youth Allowance to be increased above the poverty line – this is about basic human decency, as well as public health and economic stimulus,” she said.
Dr Goldie also recommended a reinstatement of the JobKeeper policy “in a targeted way to help people keep their jobs”.
“We have consistently argued that targeted JobKeeper payments be retained to assist people employed in industries and regions that are still adversely affected by lockdowns or border closures.”
Following a meeting of the national cabinet earlier this week, the federal government announced a number of new pandemic management policies, but did not announce any changes to the COVID-19 Disaster Payment scheme.
About the author

About the author


Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more

Economy
Economist calls for July RBA rate cut following inflation data
An economist from State Street Global Advisors has called for the Reserve Bank of Australia to cut interest rates in July following today's Consumer Price Index data for June. Read more

Economy
GDP data prompts economist to predict faster RBA rate cuts
Australia's latest GDP growth data has come in significantly below expectations, prompting an economist to suggest the Reserve Bank may need to ease monetary policy more aggressively. Read more

Economy
Global markets face turbulent start amid tariff concerns, but outlook remains cautious
Global equity and bond markets have experienced a turbulent start to 2025, primarily due to concerns that a potential tariff-driven trade war could heighten inflation and recession risks. Read more

Economy
RBA may cut rates faster if GDP data disappoints, economists say
The Reserve Bank of Australia may cut interest rates more quickly if next week's GDP data disappoints, economists said following today's consumer price index data for May. Read more

Economy
RBA delivers widely expected rate cut as inflation optimism balances global uncertainty
The Reserve Bank of Australia has cut the cash rate by 25 basis points, delivering on widespread market expectations while signalling a clearer directional shift towards less restrictive monetary ...Read more

Economy
Economist warns strong jobs data may delay further RBA rate cuts
Strong employment growth in April has put expectations for multiple interest rate cuts at risk, though upcoming economic data may clarify the need for lower rates, according to State Street Global ...Read more

Economy
Australian inflation continues downward trend, nearing RBA target
The Australian Bureau of Statistics (ABS) has reported that the Consumer Price Index (CPI) rose 2.7 per cent in the year to August, down from 3.5 per cent in July and 3.8 per cent in June. Read more

Economy
UK markets poised for gains after election, global geopolitical risks remain
Chris Iggo, Chief Investment Officer at AXA Investment Managers, has provided an optimistic outlook for UK markets following the recent general election, while cautioning about ongoing global ...Read more