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Continuation of short-term measures

26 May 2020

Q. The Federal Government has introduced some short-term measures to help people financially deal with the Covid-19 outbreak. For each of the following, how long do you think do you think the schemes should continue?

  Should end as soon as possible Should end at current set date Should continue after the current end date Unsure
Providing free childcare for children in early childhood education

(Due to end 28th June 2020)

14% 33% 36% 17%
Increase to JobSeeker payments to $1,115 per fortnight

(Due to end 24th September 2020)

21% 28% 36% 15%
Provision of JobKeeper wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight to eligible employers for each eligible worker

(Due to end 24th September 2020)

17% 36% 32% 14%

 

TOTAL: Should continue after the current end date   Gender Age Group
Total Male Female 18-34 35-54 55+
Providing free childcare for children in early childhood education 36% 39% 33% 43% 34% 31%
Increase to JobSeeker payments to $1,115 per fortnight 36% 39% 33% 42% 36% 30%
Provision of JobKeeper wage subsidy of $1,500 per fortnight to eligible employers for each eligible worker 32% 35% 30% 38% 32% 27%
Base (n) 1,087 534 553 341 364 382
  • One-third of participants say that providing feed childcare, and increasing JobSeeker payments should continue after the current end date (both 36%).
  • 18-34 year olds are most likely to say any of the short-term measures should continue after the current end date, whereas 55+ year olds are least likely to support continuing these measures.
  • Men are more likely to support continuing the increased JobSeeker payments after 24th September 2020 (39%) than women (33%).
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