A Logan City federal MP is backing premier Annasatacia Palaszczuk’s call for JobKeeper payments to be continued for people who work in Queensland’s tourism industry.
The premier has been criticized by conservative politicians in both the New South Wales and federal governments for pushing for JobKeeper payments to continue given that it was her government’s decision to close the state’s borders as part of its strategy to stop the spread of COVID-19.
However, Rankin MP Jim Chalmers said federal Labor is right behind Ms Palaszczuk.
“We welcome the premier of this state standing up for the workers and small businesses of this state, as she should do,” he said.
“When it comes to taking responsibility, we also need the federal government to acknowledge and recognise and take responsibility for the fact that some of the necessary steps that have been taken to close international borders are the federal government’s responsibility.
“The people of Queensland overwhelmingly support the right and resolute leadership that premier Palaszczuk has provided keeping Queenslanders safe, limiting the spread of this virus, and in doing so, making it easier in the long run for workers and small businesses.”
Mr Chalmers added that if the borders had been opened prematurely, the spread of the coronavirus wouldn’t have been limited, more workers would have lost their jobs and more small businesses would have hit the fence.
