Qld LNP refuses to reveal total JobKeeper receipts

The State Opposition accessed JobKeeper payments during the Covid-19 pandemic last year but now refuses to reveal just how much it pocketed. VOTE IN OUR POLL

The State Opposition accessed JobKeeper payments during the Covid-19 pandemic but now refuses to reveal how much it pocketed.

According to records published by the Electoral Commission of Queensland, the LNP received $174,221 from the Australian Taxation Office between July and December 2020.

A party spokesman told The Sunday Mail a portion of these receipts were JobKeeper payments, but refused to reveal exactly how much.

“Like all applicants, political parties had to meet the requirements to qualify for JobKeeper and comply with the ongoing employment conditions,” he said.

“Like everyone, the LNP applied to help keep its staff in secure jobs at a very uncertain time.

“All disclosures are, and have been, made as required under the Act.”

Eligible Australian businesses and not-for-profits were able to access $1500 (before tax), each fortnight per employee under the first phase of JobKeeper between March 30 and September 27 last year.

During the scheme’s extension phase, between September 28, 2020, and March 28 this year, payments were targeted to businesses that were still being substantially impacted by the pandemic.

The LNP did not access JobKeeper payments this year.

The Queensland Labor Party did not access any payments during those periods.

Federal Treasurer Josh Frydenberg last month took aim at federal Labor, claiming unions from across Australia had collected $22 million under the scheme.

The Australian reported Queensland unions recorded the second largest flow of payments compared to other states – totalling $6.7 million.

Opposition Leader David Crisafulli’s office refused to comment when asked whether the LNP should reveal the value of the payments.

Griffin University political expert Paul Williams said while the LNP was entitled to access JobKeeper, voters were generally sceptical of politicians and political parties so the optics were “obviously bad”.

“If you’re a swinging voter, it might not pass the pub test,” he said.

“But at the end of the day, it will be things like Covid management, vaccinations and unemployment that will be important (at the federal election).”

Mr Williams said it wasn’t the sort of revelation that could damage a party.

“It’s a lower order issue,” he said.

“If they’re entitled to it, and if it keeps people in work, why not.”

According to the ECQ’s website, the LNP reported an income of $8 million from July 1 to December 31 last year.