Thousands of SA construction firms relying on JobKeeper
Construction companies rely on JobKeeper payments more than any other sector in South Australia, new figures show, as the government considers changes to the wage lifeline.
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Construction companies are relying on JobKeeper more than any other sector in South Australia.
Professional and technical services, which covers a vast range of jobs from accountants to IT specialists to veterinary services, are the next most reliant on the $1500-a-fortnight wage subsidy in SA.
A snapshot of the 47,220 businesses using the scheme in SA shows mining companies and the electricity, gas, water and waste services sectors were the least reliant on the payment.
But more than 6800 construction businesses are using it to pay staff, along with about 5900 professional, scientific and technical service companies.
About 4160 health care and social-assistance businesses are accessing JobKeeper payments along with 3696 accommodation and food service providers, 3253 retail companies, and 2865 transport, postal or warehousing firms. It is also used by more than 2860 SA manufacturing companies and 2169 agriculture, forestry and fishing businesses.
Almost 2000 arts and recreation services firms were using the payment as of May 26, Treasury data shows.
SA’s business community is urging the Federal Government to extend the payment beyond its September 27 cut-off for sectors or sub-sectors that need it most. A more targeted approach would tackle situations such as some tourism operators no longer needing JobKeeper, thanks to a wave of demand since state travel restrictions lifted, while those who rely on overseas visitors will struggle for months.
“A more nuanced approach to the continuation of JobKeeper post-September is absolutely warranted to protect jobs and just as importantly to sustain businesses,” Business SA chief executive Martin Haese said.
Treasurer Josh Frydenberg will announce any changes to JobKeeper in July after a review is conducted this month.
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The Government has also flagged more JobMaker stimulus packages for certain sectors after this week unveiling a $688 million grants scheme to turbocharge construction.
The Sunday Mail has put a spotlight on JobKeeper as it today launches a series of special reports into the property industry as part of the KickStart campaign, aimed at creating jobs by responsibly reopening the economy.
In a virtual round-table, industry leaders detail “big ideas” for reviving the economy so SA can capitalise on our world-leading success fighting the virus, from attracting investment to reducing red tape (see story opposite).