The NSW Government has announced a support scheme for council employees. 

The Government says it will provide $1,500 a fortnight in financial support to local government employees whose jobs have been impacted by the state’s current COVID-19 outbreak.

Minister for Local Government Shelley Hancock said the money should help councils minimise job losses and retain skilled staff.

“The NSW Government is determined to support local government employees in keeping their jobs, and to ensure local councils retain skilled and experienced staff to serve their communities now and in the future,” Ms Hancock said.

“The Job Retention Allowance provides $1,500 per fortnight per eligible employee for up to three months to help councils retain staff whose employment has been impacted by the COVID-19 outbreak.

“Commonwealth Government assistance is not available to local councils, therefore it is important the NSW Government steps in to provide this nation-leading support package.

“The Job Retention Allowance was introduced as part of the NSW Government’s COVID-19 Local Government Economic Stimulus Package to assist councils to support staff stood down as a result of the 2020 lockdown.

“Fortunately, job losses were minimised thanks to the commendable efforts of the local government sector across NSW to retrain and redeploy affected staff, and I encourage all councils to again try and redeploy staff wherever possible.

“Local councils across NSW are at the frontline assisting their communities respond to the challenges COVID-19 is presenting.”

Any council that meets the eligibility criteria, as per last year’s program, can submit claims for the Job Retention Allowance.