Tens of thousands of unemployed people recently sacked because of the coronavirus pandemic have been forced to queue for hours as they wait to make a claim for the dole.
More than 300 people lined the streets of Sydney on Monday morning, desperately waiting to get into Darlinghurst’s Centrelink office to claim unemployment.
The chaotic scenes outside Centrelink comes less than a day after Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced non-essential services across NSW and Victoria would be closing – leaving thousands out of work.
Mr Morrison announced a second stimulus package and acknowledged the economic damage would be far worse than anticipated.
‘We now expect the economic shock to be deeper, wider, and longer,’ Treasurer Josh Frydenberg told a press conference on Sunday.
More than 300 people have lined the streets of Sydney on Monday morning, desperately waiting to get into Darlinghurst’s Centrelink office to claim unemployment amid the coronavirus pandemic
One welfare recipient told Daily Mail Australia she has been queuing since 7.40 this morning, and by 9am still hadn’t reached the front of the line
Thousands of Australians are already losing their jobs as cafes, pubs, and shops of all kinds are empty as many people avoid going out.=
Thousands of Australians are already losing their jobs as cafes, pubs, and shops of all kinds are empty as many people avoid going out.
One welfare recipient told Daily Mail Australia she has been queuing since 7.40 this morning, and by 9am still hadn’t reached the front of the line.
‘They are letting five people in at a time, and we’ve been told to prepare to wait to be seen,’ she said.
The woman, who is originally from the United Kingdom, claimed a Centrelink worker accused her of ignoring social distancing measures to go to Bondi Beach over the weekend.
Thousands of Australians and backpackers drew widespread condemnation on Saturday when they flocked to the iconic beach.
Another person in line said her rent is so expensive she has no idea what to do now that she’s out of work due to non-essential services across NSW and Victoria shutting down today.
‘Everyone has their notice letters here to say they’re lost their jobs… They are giving half price Opal cards for anyone who has lost their job, but it’s very tense,’ she said.
Another woman said she was let go from her bar job last week and now fears she will be evicted because she has no money.
‘The website kept crashing and I need to claim for the crisis money and apply for Centrelink,’ she told Daily Mail Australia.
‘Last night I just sat down and cried.’
In federal parliament on Monday, Mr Morrison said: ‘This is the biggest economic shock our nation has faced in generations.’
‘Australia, long and open trading nation, is now closed off largely from the world. Internal border restrictions not seen since before federation are now in place.
‘Mr Speaker, as Australia works to flatten the curve and slow this virus we also face an immense economic challenge.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced a second stimulus package and acknowledged the economic damage would be far worse than anticipated. Pictured with Treasurer Josh Frydenberg
‘Across Australia today many thousands of Australians will lose their jobs. They are lining up at Centrelink offices as we speak.
‘Something unimaginable at this scale only weeks ago. They have lost their jobs, many, and we know many more will.’
As part of the government’s new package, those already unemployed or soon to be forced out of work will be able to get up to $1,100 a fortnight in Centrelink payments.
The $750 payments to pensioners will also be doubled as Mr Morrison expected the worst economic aspects of the crisis would last at least six months.
Those struggling to make ends meet on reduced incomes – especially sole traders – can withdraw $20,000 from their superannuation tax-free to tide them over.
Assets tests and waiting periods for the jobseeker allowance will be waived so sacked employees can keep food on the table.
‘The coronavirus supplement will provide an additional $550 a fortnight on top of the existing jobseeker or new start payment,’ Mr Frydenberg said.
‘It will be available to sole traders and casual workers who meet the income test. This means anyone eligible for the maximum jobseeker payment will now receive more than $1,100 a fortnight.’
Everyone earning less than $1,075 a fortnight will be eligible to receive the full benefit, with it scaling back with additional income.