The NSW Government has announced an additional $287.5 million in COVID-19 financial support to assist workers and vulnerable communities in metropolitan, regional and rural NSW.
Member for Coffs Harbour Gurmesh Singh said this additional funding will see the COVID-19 emergency hardship payments, test and isolate support payments and community empowerment grants expanded to the whole State.
“The expansion and extension of the emergency hardship payment will provide assistance to people on the Coffs Coast and beyond who are under severe financial strain but are not eligible for other support payments and grants,” Mr Singh said.
“The test and isolate payment will help people to test early and isolate if they have COVID symptoms. This payment will help take the pressure off any individuals who do not have access to leave entitlements or other support payments.
“Grants for culturally and linguistically diverse groups have also been expanded to connect multicultural communities with essential services throughout the pandemic.
“This $287.5 million in funding is in addition to the NSW Government’s existing commitment of $7.7 billion in COVID-19 support measures across NSW.”
The NSW Government’s additional $287.5 million funding commitment includes:
- Emergency hardship, one-off payment of $400 administered by the Red Cross which has been expanded to temporary visa/ no visa holders in NSW who are facing severe financial hardship and are not eligible for other government income. To apply visit: https://www.redcross.org.au/get-help/help-for-migrants-in-transition/help-for-migrants-in-transition/nsw-relief
- Test and isolate payment of $320 which has now been expanded statewide. It is available for eligible workers aged 17 and over, who have symptoms of COVID-19, to get tested and isolate until a negative result is returned. The payment is available to NSW workers who do not have sick, carer’s or pandemic leave. To apply visit: https://www.service.nsw.gov.au/transaction/apply-test-and-isolate-support-payment
- Community supports grants which have been expanded across NSW to help organisations deliver emergency food relief, promote vaccination and testing services, and provide culturally appropriate support and care to diverse communities.
