The JobKeeper wage subsidy will be extended beyond September, but will be at least $150 a week less and Dubbo businesses will again have to show reduced turnover to access it.
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A new two-tiered version of the stimulus measure prompted by the coronavirus crisis will from October pay $1200 for full-time workers each fortnight, and $750 for people working 20 hours or fewer.
JobKeeper, relied on by more than 1400 organisations within the Dubbo 2830 postcode according to data published by Treasury, has been providing a $1500 a fortnight subsidy to all eligible full-time, part-time and casual workers.
From January to March, its new cut-off date, the full-time rate will fall again to $1000 a fortnight and part-time will reduce to $600.
Dubbo businesses will have to show turnover has stayed at least 30 per cent down in the three months to June, and the three months to September.
Concerns had been raised in recent weeks about a sudden end to the scheme.
The state's peak business body says the confirmed extension to JobKeeper will be welcomed by the western NSW business community.
"Many of the changes to the JobKeeper wage subsidy are in line with what we have been advocating for and part of our recommendations we made in our recent 'Back on Track' report," Business NSW western NSW regional manager Vicki Seccombe said.
"JobKeeper has been a critical pillar of the response to the economic crisis, but it did come with some adverse effects for our businesses which have been addressed with the announcement.
"The extension and targeted changes will support those industries most heavily impacted by restrictions and consumer demand, as well as providing much needed confidence for all businesses to plan for the next six months."
Accounting body CPA Australia welcomed the announcement.
"The advance notice is welcomed as many businesses will require professional advice to determine the best course of action and what they might need to do to requalify," CPA Australia tax policy adviser Elinor Kasapidis said.
"The orderly withdrawal of JobKeeper also gives many businesses extra time to reboot and permanently change the way they operate, just as consumers have changed how and when they buy goods and services."
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