NSW government to hand down relief package for businesses hit by Sydney’s lockdown
A multi-billion-dollar package for businesses hit by Sydney’s extended lockdown is expected to be announced by Prime Minister Scott Morrison and Treasurer Dominic Perrottet later today.
Brianna McKeeDigital Reporter
July 13, 2021 - 11:12AM
Sydney’s extended lockdown has forced the NSW government to put together a relief package for businesses as the state braces for a four to six-week lockdown extension due to a rapid rise in COVID-19 cases.
Payments of up to $600 are expected to be tied to a commitment from businesses to not let any employees go.
Many of Australia s leaders are reluctant to state a position on changing the date of Australia Day away from January 26. News.com.au asked the Prime Minister, Opposition Leader and the leaders of every state and territory whether they supported changing the date of Australia Day. Debate over whether the date should be changed has grown over the past few years, with some saying it should be moved away from January 26 out of respect for Australia s Indigenous community, as many see the date as Invasion Day and not something to celebrate. A news.com.au online poll of 15,800 voters, found 73 per cent still wanted to keep Australia Day on January 26 but public views are slowly shifting, especially among young people.