Unpacking the Jobkeeper wage subsidy scheme
The Morrison government performed an enormous and welcome backflip, announcing a $130 billion Jobseeker package to support workers, through their employer, with a $1500/fortnight wage subsidy. Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute unpacks the details with us.Host: Ebony Bennett, Deputy Director at The Australia Institute // @ebony_bennettContributors: Richard Denniss, chief economist at the Australia Institute // @RDNS_TAIThis episode was produced by Jennifer Macey. Montage by Lizzie Jack.Our theme music is by Jonathan McFeat from Pulse and Thrum.Wash your hands regularly, stay at home if you can and thanks for listening.
Between the Lines Newsletter
The biggest stories and the best analysis from the team at the Australia Institute, delivered to your inbox every fortnight.
You might also like
Fossil fuel subsidies
When governments subsidise fossil fuels—coal, gas, diesel, petrol—they not only waste public money, they also make climate change worse. Subsidies and tax breaks make fossil fuels cheaper, making it harder to switch to renewable energy and cleaner technologies. Ending fossil fuel subsidies is common sense and good policy.
The Wage Price Index shows pay packets are up. So why doesn’t it feel that way?
The latest figures from the Australian Bureau of Statistics show wages are growing at a reasonable rate, but a deeper look shows a big problem might be about to bite Australian workers.
If business groups had their way, workers on the minimum wage would now be $160 a week worse off
Had the Fair Work Commission taken the advice of business groups, Australia lowest paid would now earn $160 less a week.