A flurry of changes over coming days to the federal government's JobSeeker and JobKeeper programs will see major cuts to payments, more scrutiny on a person's assets and greater demands on those looking for work.
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Although the cuts will result in far less money sloshing around the district, there are differing perspectives on how this may impact the community.
The Australian Council of Social Service's CEO Cassandra Goldie has argued that the cuts will "hurt millions of people who are just keeping their heads above water", and that "the full supplement should be maintained until it is replaced with a permanent, adequate increase".
- READ ALSO: Tax office monitoring misuse of JobKeeper
However the NSW Business Chamber is not entirely convinced that the cuts will wreak havoc. The regional manager for Western NSW, Vicki Seccombe, said the pulling back on COVID-19 supplement payments could be a "positive move".
"Our last business conditions survey in the Western area showed a positive mood - the drought started to ease, we've opened up the regions back to visitors," she said.
"The confidence was coming back - a general confidence that we are recovering well."
Ms Seccombe said businesses were on the lookout for staff, particularly in hospitality, and with harvests looming.
- READ ALSO: Labor to support JobKeeper extension bill
"I'm hearing from businesses that they're really keen, and they're looking for staff. Please apply!"
From September 28 until January 3, 2021, the JobKeeper payment will be slashed by $300 per fortnight, down from $1,500 per fortnight to $1,200 for those working more than 20 hours a week.
The rate will again be cut in January.
For those on the JobSeeker payment, the Coronavirus Supplement of $550 per fortnight will be cut back to $250 per fortnight from this Friday. The $250 supplement will run through to December 31.
From this Thursday the federal government's grace period on supplying information about your assets will end, meaning your ability to secure a COVID benefit may be impacted. If the government has contacted you, it's important that you supply information by Thursday.
"If you don't tell us about your assets, we'll stop your payment on 25 September 2020," warns Services Australia.
If you haven't been contacted by the government agency and your assets details are up to date, then you don't need do anything.
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