The first installments of the federal government's $25 billion of support for households and individuals in response to the coronavirus pandemic are being rolled out to Dubbo and across the country as demand continues to build.
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Services Australia advised the distribution of the first $750 Economic Support Payment to recipients of Centrelink benefits would continue until late April after starting on March 31.
In announcing the $8.8 billion measure last month, the government reported it would be paid to about 6.6 million existing payment recipients and concession card holders.
A second payment of the same amount will be made from July 13.
Services Australia, the department responsible for Centrelink, has the task of swinging into action to deliver relief to people affected by COVID-19 and measures to stop its spread.
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Dubbo Regional Council estimated more than 600 workers within its boundaries lost their jobs when pubs, clubs and gyms were ordered to close and eateries could only operate takeaway and delivery services from March 23.
Queues of people were visible outside Dubbo's Centrelink office in the wake of the shutdown.
Since then further restrictions on activities have been announced, and some businesses have temporarily closed their shopfronts, moving to online platforms only.
Dubbo residents newly in need of support are being advised by Services Australia they may be eligible for one of three payments - Youth Allowance, the JobSeeker payment or the Parenting Payment.
People who have recently lost their job or their income has been reduced, can register their intention to claim online and from there Centrelink will contact them, Services Australia says.
A temporary payment of $550 per fortnight, known as the Coronavirus Supplement, is also coming to new and existing eligible income support recipients.
Eligible recipients will receive it from April 27 along with their usual payment.
The government is also set to take the legislation for its $130 billion JobKeeper program to Parliament this week.
It is to subsidise wages at $1500 a fortnight for six million workers, for up to six months.
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Faye Wheeler
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
I have been a journalist for more than a decade and in that time I have been keeping Daily Liberal readers up to date about issues affecting them and what's happening in their community. Throughout my career I have covered a range of rounds and most recently I have been focusing on the business round.
