House debates

Tuesday, 16 March 2021

Matters of Public Importance

JobKeeper Payment

3:45 pm

Photo of Milton DickMilton Dick (Oxley, Australian Labor Party) Share this | Hansard source

and listening to what the community wants. I'm glad that we're here today talking about these critical issues.

There are 172,000 Queenslanders crying out for help. In my own electorate, 5,000 workers are expected to be thrown on the scrap heap, with JobKeeper ending at the end of the month. That means $2.4 million a week in support will be ripped away from our local economy. The member for Mackellar might call it welfare; I call it money going to the mums and dads of the small businesses in my community.

I've met with many workers and businesses who have done everything right, and they've suffered because of a health crisis that's out of their control. They're only going to suffer more because those opposite are shrugging their shoulders, refusing to do their jobs and create meaningful policy. What have we got as an alternative for the people of Queensland? Half-price airfares. The member for Hinkler is here. Why wasn't Hervey Bay listed? Why wasn't Bundaberg listed? Did you fight for them? Did you ask for them to go on the list?

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