Geelong’s most needy lose $5 million a fortnight as JobSeeker payments slashed

More than 17,000 job seekers have lost $300 a fortnight in welfare payments across the Geelong region after the government cut the coronavirus payment.

MORE than 17,000 job seekers have lost $300 a fortnight in welfare payments across the Geelong region after the government cut the coronavirus payment.

The reduction means people in the Corio and Corangamite electorates will collectively be about $5.1 million worse off a fortnight.

Federal government data shows the Corio-Norlane area will be the worst off area in the region with more than 3000 people losing part of their JobSeeker payment.

While others in Geelong West-Hamlyn Heights (1,113), Ocean Grove-Barwon Heads (1,165), Grovedale (1422), Newcomb-Moolap (1273), North Geelong-Bell Park (1,061) and Torquay (916) will also lose part of their payments.

Corio MP Richard Marles said the drop of the coronavirus supplement, part of the JobSeeker payment, from $550 to $250 a fortnight came at a time where “thousands” were out of work.

“There are thousands of workers across Geelong who through no fault of there own have found themselves without work,” Mr Marles said.

“It is these people that will have further assistance ripped away from them; $300 is a lot of money for those who are only just getting by and making ends meet.”

Treasurer Josh Frydenberg said the government had doubled welfare for job seekers after the breakout of COVID-19.

“Later this year we will make a decision about the further support for people on JobSeeker but we were leaning into continuing to provide support as required. What our focus is on is getting people into a job.”

In August 536 jobs were listed on Geelong Careers which included trades (91), health (99), education 49, government 46, charity sector (40).

Of the 536 jobs, 395 were in Geelong, 15 in Torquay, 13 in Colac, six in Avalon and 5 in Waurn Ponds.

Marianne Messer who tracks online job advertisements for Geelong Careers expected the September tally to be higher.

“It’s good news they have come up a lot. There was 995 jobs listed on Geelong Careers on Friday which is up from the about 500 a day in August.”

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Originally published as Geelong’s most needy lose $5 million a fortnight as JobSeeker payments slashed