NSW Covid: Dine and Discover voucher change possible during lockdown

As the NSW Treasurer prepares to announce a Covid stimulus package it can be revealed he is considering a big change to the Dine and Discover program.

A Covid stimulus package designed to get people back into restaurants could be retooled to accommodate takeaway and delivery as the government looks to finalise a lockdown support stimulus package.

It can be revealed that Treasurer Dominic Perrottet is looking to allow people to use their Dine and Discover vouchers for takeaway and delivery direct from restaurants.

Extending the July 31 deadline for the stimulus measure is also being looked at.

Deserted Sydney Harbour … Picture: Steven Saphore / AFP

It comes as Labor Leader Chris Minns proposed that an additional $25 voucher be provided to residents of Greater Sydney and surrounding locked-down areas.

The $25 vouchers can currently only be used for eating in, as they were designed to get people back into hospitality venues.

However, the Treasurer is now looking at expanding the existing program for takeaway and direct delivery services.

NSW Treasurer Dominic Perrottet. Picture: NCA NewsWire / Dylan Coker

Mr Perrottet is also looking at extending the program beyond the end of July to give people more time to spend the vouchers.

The Treasurer is looking at expanding the Dine and Discover program as part of an economic stimulus package expected to be announced within the next few days.

It’s expected that if vouchers could be redeemed for delivery, customers would need to order directly from the restaurant and not through services like UberEats or Deliveroo.

State Labor has also proposed measures to soften the lockdown’s “$850 million” blow to the economy.

Mr Minns wrote to the Treasurer last night suggesting the government provide a fifth voucher for locked-down residents. The voucher could be redirected from so-far unused Dine and Discover vouchers, or paid for by money left over from an under-utilised small business grants program.

“This expanded criteria would provide an immediate and timely economic boost to local businesses who have just seen their entire cash flow put at risk overnight,” Mr Minns said.

It would also give people “the opportunity to enjoy a meal, support a local business, and make staying at home and following the health orders just that little bit more bearable,” he said.

Two of the four Dine and Discover vouchers can be used for food, while two can be used on experiences or entertainment.