NSW Covid payments could be scrapped at 80 per cent vaccine target

Talks are underway about the future of the NSW Covid support payments with a warning issued to states and territories from the federal government.

Covid support payments for businesses and workers could be scrapped when NSW reaches the 80 per cent vaccination threshold and more restrictions are eased.

It’s understood that discussions are underway about turning off the payments in line with a looming easing of restrictions for all NSW residents.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian confirmed most Covid restrictions will be wound back from December, even for people who have not been vaccinated.

Until December, the four-square-metre rule will apply in most settings, and masks will be required in indoor settings.

The reopening road map will remove strict caps on weddings when 80 per cent of people over 16 are vaccinated, and patrons will be able to stand while drinking indoors. Up to 10 vaccinated visitors will be allowed in homes.

Premier Gladys Berejiklian says most restrictions will be removed by December. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Adam Yip

In line with the extra freedoms, Treasurer Dominic Perrottet and his federal counterpart Josh Frydenberg are now in discussions about when to reduce or turn-off financial support.

“The states and territories should have no expectation that the level of economic support that we are providing today will continue once we reach those 70 to 80 per cent targets,” Mr Frydenberg told The Daily Telegraph.

A decision on when to taper down the payments could be made as early as this week.

It comes amid increasing concern from businesses that if the $750 per week Covid-19 disaster payment continues to be provided when NSW reopens, industries could face labour shortages. The “final stage” of the road map from December 1 will grant anti-vaxxers the same freedoms as those who have received both doses.

Despite nominating a date at which vaccine passports will be scrapped in NSW, Premier Gladys Berejiklian said the announcement was “very disappointing” to the vaccine-hesitant.

Governments are now in discussion over when to turn off Covid-19 financial support. Picture: NCA NewsWire / James Gourley

“You’re going to have to wait several months before you can do anything,” she said.

“Today is a very disappointing day for those who aren’t vaccinated,” she said.

Although vaccine passports would be out, residents could be allowed to travel internationally from December 1.

“We believe by December 1 we will be at that Covid-normal state where hopefully we will be booking our international travel, once the PM gives that green light, we will be able to go overseas as well,” the premier said.

Celebrity chef Luke Mangan has supported the road map. Picture: Jonathan Ng

Ms Berejiklian confirmed October 11 as the day when the first round of restrictions are set to be eased, after the state passes the 70 per cent vaccination threshold.

Strict limits on patrons at hospitality venues will continue, with restaurants and indoor settings allowed to open under a four square metre rule.

The hospitality industry has welcomed added certainty about reopening on October 11. Restaurant and Catering Australia CEO Wes Lambert said removing caps on weddings at 80 per cent double-dose vaccination rates was a “huge win” for the industry.

“This news will mean that couples across NSW looking to tie the knot can have their dream weddings with their nearest and dearest,” he said.

Restaurateur Luke Mangan said the road map is “the best way forward,” despite the strict density rules limiting patron numbers to one person per four square metres until December 1. A spokesman for Emergency Management Minister Bridget McKenzie said the Covid-19 Disaster Payment “will continue to be made available to support people whose hours of work have been affected by orders restricting the movement of people in Commonwealth declared hot spots”.