Victorian workers offered $1,500 pandemic leave payment
Payment for Covid-positive workers will be available in Victoria and any other state that declares a state of disaster.
Victorian workers who expend all of their sick leave will receive a $1,500 payment from the federal government to remain at home for two weeks if at risk of having contracted the coronavirus.
The new $1,500 payment is intended to “supplement and support” Victoria’s existing payment system by covering the fortnight of self-isolation after a positive result.The federal government’s payment would be available if people need to self-isolate multiple times, Scott Morrison PM said. “[This] means that those who need to self-isolate as a result of an instruction by a public health officer – there is no economic reason for you to go to work.”
Victoria will also continue to pay $300 for workers awaiting test results.
Morrison specified the $1,500 was a “disaster payment” that was not available to residents of other states, because “the number of cases in other states, and the way that’s being handled” had not required them to declare a disaster.
Workers must call 180-22-66 number to apply for the payment, rather than receiving pay through their employer. This will become available after Wednesday 5th August.
