Following the implementation of Stage 4 restrictions, we have had many members inquire about the JobKeeper scheme.

We have published detailed guidance on how the scheme operates here. You can also access a JobKeeper checklist here.

One frequently asked question we receive relates to the payment of JobKeeper and the employees’ wages under the scheme.

Under the JobKeeper scheme eligible employers are paid $1500 per fortnight per eligible employee. Eligible employees will receive, at a minimum, $1500 per fortnight, before tax. Eligible employees can receive the JobKeeper payment as follows:

• If an employee receives $1500 or more in income per fortnight before tax (e.g. employee is working or taking paid leave), they will continue to receive their regular income according to their prevailing workplace arrangements. The JobKeeper Payment will assist their employer to continue operating by subsidising all or part of the income of their employee.
• If an employee would otherwise receive less than $1500 in income per fortnight before tax, their employer must pay their employee, at a minimum, $1500 per fortnight before tax.
• If an employee has been stood down, their employer must pay their employee, at a minimum, $1500 per fortnight before tax.

This means employers do not need to pay the $1500 per fortnight in addition to the employee’s wages if the employee performs work during JobKeeper fortnights. The employee will receive the higher of any wages actually earned, or the JobKeeper amount.

You will continue to make superannuation contributions on the employee’s ordinary time earnings. However, no superannuation guarantee payments are required to be paid on any additional payment made because of the JobKeeper Payment.

If employees are stood down, they will continue to accrue their annual leave and personal leave.

You can access the Treasury and FWO websites for more information. You can also access COVID-19 resources here. If you have further questions, the MBV IR team can provide further assistance on (03) 9411 4555.