Looks like their consideration of the coronavirus support package has been a bit too rushed to get it right.

From what I see the unemployment payment is now going to be a fair bit higher than the single aged pension. The doley down the road, who hasn't worked in a decade or more, will be getting $167 more a fortnight than his pensioner neighbor who worked all his life to earn his pension.

Looks like they need to go back to the drawing board to correct such anomalies.

It's my understanding that only people put our of work by the China virus will be automatically entitled to welfare. I don't think people already on the dole will be getting extra; just as only those put out of work - not those still working - should be getting mortgage relief. I hope that's right.

I hope that's right.
ttbn,
I hope so also ! They need to do very careful checks & anyone caught out fiddling the system should be harshly dealt with.
Also, talking to my old friend, the subject of assets must be sorted. Many pensioners have accumulated commodities over the years which are now worthless & should therefore not be counted as assets but rather deemed liabilities or of no value.
My friend has a boat which he's been trying sell for several years but no buyers. Yet he can't access the pension because the "value" of his boat puts him over the edge.
That boat hasn't been an asset for years & is even less worth now !

Hasbeen, there's no need for bashing people on welfare. A member of my family has been on Newstart for 8 years; 2 years before that on medical pension; 3 months before that in ICU. He is lucky to be alive. He works in the gig economy, casual jobs a month here, two months there. He's picked up 2 extra qualifications, but his age, 50, his medical history and the limits that places on the kind of work he can do, mean he'll never get a fulltime or even a regular casual job. He hates the situation but what alternative is there? You cannot possibly know the circumstances of the people you label as dole bludgers.

Cossomby I am sure there are many long term unemployed, particularly the older who lose their jobs, or younger with no experience who do find getting a job very hard, or almost impossible.

However in this district, an out of the way area with cheep rents, there are probably as many who pick up a bit of cash in hand work, plus the dole, & most definitely don't want a job. The city is moving out to join us, rents are rising, & we see less unemployable today, but we still have them.

My lady handled the long term,[over 2 years], unemployed case book for a charity job placement organisation. A real bleeding heart before this, she had to admit that a very large minority of that case book would do almost anything to avoid an actual job.

I do believe that an awful lot of people will lose their jobs now, many by necessary government edict. Many will not return when things get better. These should be supported, as should be genuine job seekers, but we need to keep a watch for the growing number of bludgers in our society.

Meanwhile, pensioners should receive at least the dole equivalent.

Dear Hasbeen,

It really is time to give it a break mate. You are unlikely to get a skerrick less because some unemployed person is getting a bit more to get them through this period. You will be fine on that score so how about a bit of generosity of spirit? Doesn't cost you anything.

ttbn,

And it looks like most of those lining up to get the Wuhan virus dole just happen to be Chinese.

Mr. Opinion,

An extension of the Chinese wrecking of our economy? Could be part of the operation to bleed us dry before the big take over.

I just hate bludgers SR, present company included.

Mr 0,
As you visually identify most people you see as Chinese (whether or not they actually are) it's hardly surprising that you identify most of the people you see doing anything as Chinese.

Aidan,

What's the matter? Has your Chinese cash cow come back to bite you on the ass?

Hey Hasbeen,
I agree with you that pensions and welfare should be distributed fairly.
- And I don't think it's fair that the unemployed should be getting more than aged pensioners.

https://www.tr.news/coronavirus-shutdown/

This link has it all summed up !

Couple of quickies. Andrew Bolt is turning into an 'old woman' and panic merchant scraping up obscure academics to spread more gloom, and yesterday, the PM put his hand out for Gladys B to shake. She recoiled, but the TV clip was cut off before the end result of the attempted contact could be seen.

Comrade Hasbeen, greetings from Comrade Morrison.

You must be so disappointed to see the champions of the free market turning to Socialism as the only way to fight this virus.

Hasbeen said; "I just hate bludgers SR, present company included."

I assume you are on the 'Aged Welfare' handout, did you not claim you spent years lolling about the Pacific on a yacht, like some character from a James A Michener novel. How many years did you not contribute to the betterment of Australia, Captain Bilgewater? Then there was that non productive car racing nonsense as well, what actual productive work have you even done?

I am ashamed to see so many young people lined up outside 'Centrelink' yesterday, and again today.

'You must be so disappointed to see the champions of the free market turning to Socialism as the only way to fight this virus.'

Well Paul I hope we are more successful than every other failed country that has experienced socialism. Long queues, corrupt Governments, little food, lack of medical supplies and the citizens desperate to immigrate or gatecrash countries founded on Judea Christian ethics. Maybe you are getting what you wished. But remember China could not give a stuff about how much co2 they produce.

btw it was not long back before your abc was pushing Venezuella as a model for others. How is it now? Surely you aren't that stupid.

"The Keynesians of the Treasury have lost none of their influence. Doubling welfare payments, especially for pensioners, to boost aggregate demand is a wilful waste of the nation’s resources. Where is the money coming from?" (Anon)

"I hope we are more successful than every other failed country that has experienced socialism."

Don't know about that one runner, Western Capitalism is not looking real healthy at the moment, The Donald is getting his place in a mess, along with the Brits, French, Italian and Spanish, to name a few. Never was a big fan of Venezuella, a bit too steamy for me, but it might now be the place to be, who knows.

Start by locking down everyone under 25 and then shut down all building.
Tradies aren't taking things seriously either.

I assume you are on the 'Aged Welfare' handout,
Paul1405,
I assume you won't need any assistance when you lose your income ?

Indy, you haven't mentioned your National Service for the unemployed young folk lately. Look at all the new cannon fodder lining up at 'Centrelink' ready to join your National Service Boot Camp! Should the mass of unemployed now be forced into one of your NS battalions?

Greta Thunderpants has the China virus.

you haven't mentioned your National Service for the unemployed young folk lately.
Paul1405,
The reason I haven't promoted a NS lately is because there is a virus called COVID-19 going around that is supposedly be spread by people gathering in close proximity.
Turn on the News to get more info on it ! A NS would necessitate such gatherings when working together for the common good.
Talking about common good, I hear several of the Gravy Trains have come to a screeching halt !
Shane Warne et al are now ganging up the PM for what appears to be a typo in one of his posts,
they're coming to the stark realisation that their frivolous activities are now clearly vieded as such !
Poo Bear reckons the reason why toilet paper is bought up like mad is because when one person sneezes a 100 others $hit themselves !

But Indy, according to the latest from your great political hero 'The Donald', this "flu" will be over by Easter. Wow, only 18 days to go, who are the Easter Bunnies now! Besides 'The Donald' is concerned more about the loss of profits than he is about peoples lives. He believes the number one priority is to keep the profits flowing, if a million or two should cark it, well 'The Donald' is not all that concerned, so it would seem. BTW after these words of wisdom from 'The Donald' the American medical experts went into melt down, with calls of shock and horror, they couldn't believe what that idiot had to say!

Indy, and the rest of the Forums Donald nutters, do you still love 'The Donald', and believe his very word?

Can anyone top this? Local butcher (what ever happened to our Forum mate Butch), yesterday had beef snags, at wait for it....$22/kg.... I walked away. These snags must be a cure for Cornavirus! Nah, said the wife, they have gold nuggets inside em'.

Paul wrote:" according to the latest from your great political hero 'The Donald', this "flu" will be over by Easter."

Well he actually said no such thing. But you've gotten so much wrong (and made up so much rubbish) about Trump over the years, why stop now?

BTW, have you seen the high approval ratings Trump's getting in the US for his handling of this Wuhan Virus issue? Or is that another thing "The Socialist" magazine decided you didn't need to know?

What did President Trump say?
On Tuesday, he told Fox News he hoped the country could get back to normal by Easter, which is on 12 April.

Mr Trump, a Republican, said: "We're going to be opening relatively soon... I would love to have the country opened up and just rearing to go by Easter."

He added in a subsequent interview: "Easter is a very special day for me... and you'll have packed churches all over our country."

WHAT! a very special day, mhaze you are such an Easter Bunny.

Paul,

You asserted (ie claim minus evidence) that Trump said " this "flu" will be over by Easter."

But he never said that, did he? Come on, telling the truth will do you good.

Saying the country will go back to work by then isn't the same thing as saying the Wuhan virus will be over. But what have facts got to do with it when in full TDS mode, eh?

Seen the latest polls on Trump's handling of the crisis?

Paul1405,
You'd better brush up on your English while you're in isolation (I mean the other isolation, the COVID 19 one)
'hoping' is vastly different from 'will be' !
Re your quip about the National Service; It would really be a major benefit right now to have one. Hopefully, as soon as this Pandemic is easing, Govt & the Nation as a whole will realise the desperate need for a NS.

Hey individual,

Australian Army Reservists asked to prepare for coronavirus battle
http://7news.com.au/lifestyle/health-wellbeing/australian-army-reservists-asked-to-prepare-for-coronavirus-battle-c-762398

"Another national cabinet meeting between the premiers and prime minister is underway on Wednesday evening.

7NEWS has been told this emergency support force could be deployed as early as Friday."

Now that China has rid itself of the Wuhan virus and is clean Australia will be able to open its borders to Chinese migrants especially students and tourists so that we can start getting our hands on their money.

http://www.singletonargus.com.au/story/6698425/breakdown-of-covid-19-cases-by-local-government-areas-released-video/?cs=17267&fbclid=IwAR0aGODhl4vq2yy0vTC_wnZxK5bytTEjHxrkRy_jdDWILe9eU0G7I4zYiHw

One example of its spread in the hunter.

Dear mhaze,

Look mate I know you have an infatuation with your president, which few of us can fathom, but to be constantly touting how popular the clown is is just inane. He is the most deeply unpopular president since the war. His approval ratings have never once topped 50% and his disapproval ratings outstrip those of any of them too.

http://projects.fivethirtyeight.com/trump-approval-ratings/

Bush got a 35% jump after 9/11. All presidents get one during disasters. Trump's is a modest 7% from a level that most president's never managed to bottom out on.

Give it a rest because you are embarrassing yourself.

Local council elections in Queensland tomorrow, who cares at this time who calls the shots at city hall! Wake up Palaszczuk, or is it too late.

Morons massing on St.Kilda beach this afternoon.

Come on Paul.

If not for her family connections Palaszczuk would have found her true level of competence as a cashier in a suburban service station.

I would like to nominate Palaszczuk for the 2020 S___ For Brains Award.

I've already voted Hassy, how about you, we are not always on the same side of the fence on issues, but I like you and Mr O can see the stupidity of holding council elections today. ABSOLUTELY UNNECESSARY, SENDS THE WRONG MESSAGE TO THE COMMUNITY ABOUT SOCIAL DISTANCING.

BTW; If Palaszczuk should be doing the day shift on the register at the servo, Berejiklian should do the night shift, and ScumÒ' should be checking tyres and oil.

So far the bloke to show leadership is Andrews in Victoria, and a well done for the bloke in Tasmania Gutwein, he's trying his best. The others are doing fairly well.

Boris has got the bug! No more holding hands with Charlie.

Boris Johnson got the bug because he is a team player.

Mr 0,
From your above comment, would I be correct in deducing you don't know much about him?

Queensland is a nice place to visit, but ....

Nobody could ever envy Queenslanders for their politicians, from corrupt Joe to the current silly woman, and the ones in between.

More on Boris; He sure didn't get it from a hair dresser!

Dear Paul,

No it wasn't his hairdresser, this is where he got it and likely transmitted it to others;

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=n3NAx3tsy-k

What is it with these right wing twits? So keen not to scare the horses which might impact the precious economy that they try and act blase.

Something for the drinkers.

600 liquor stores have been closed in Pennsylvania as part of the non-essential business closures considered necessary by authorities. Some "experts" have decided that "health problems could occur because of the blanket shutdowns, prompting the governor to revisit the decision. He now thinks the closure could be "a health issue for those with a substance use disorder.”

He is, of course, talking about problems of withdrawal boozers could have if they can't get their drug. We have seen the frenzy at bottle shops here, when drinkers - who would undoubtedly deny that their drug of choice is not essential to them, started stocking up when it was rumoured that bottle shops would be closed.

And, of course, there is nothing like the methadone used to help hard drug users for people hooked on grog. The government booze police in Pennsylvania say that, "Withdrawal itself is not life-threatening, but complications such as convulsions, epileptic seizures and cardiac arrhythmias can be deadly".

The China virus is certainly spotlighting many societal problems that are covered up or denied in normal times.

Can't agree ttbn, at least in retrospect.

I was always pretty anti Joh until he went, & we found out what a really great job he had done for Queensland. After him the money wasted by those that followed, & the stuff ups were a true revelation of just how good Joh was.

Currently we have the worse ever, even worse than the Bligh woman, with the big heifer leading the hopeless girls club. It is hard to know which is more hopeless, her, the lady in NSW, the idiot in Vic., but we can at least thank heaven, we aren't saddled with a total ratbag like the poor kiwis.

Hasbeen,

Maybe if they had put you in a cell with Sir Terence Lewis for a few weeks it migt have hardened your view of Joh 'He who talks funny'.

Hi Steele, could not agree more, like Trump, like Morrison, its money first, peoples lives second. Same is true for Boris.

Something of interest, watched an old 'Timelife' doco on 'The Great Plague of 1665' (a bit depressing). Although 400 years ago, and modern society has progressed in so many ways, but the basic reaction from the London citizenry and authority then, was not that dissimilar to today's reaction to coronavirus.

ttbn. looks like your man Trump and the gang have made the China Virus, the All American Virus, they got to be bigger and better than everyone else. Don't forget your hero will have it all honky-dory in time for the Easter Bunny in two weeks time.

hasbeen

I'll accept your personal knowledge of things Queensland, but I still think the only good thing about him was Flo. I'm a sucker for CWA matrons and scones.

The NZ "ratbag" is now whining for NZ workers put out of work by the China virus to receive the same payments as Aussies, although they are not usually entitled to welfare in ordinary circumstances. She should take them back and give them NZ dole. No other non-citizens here on work permits are entitled to any any payment. Her attitude has soured any "special relationship" NZ had with us.

The government is preparing a huge 'support package number 2' which will dwarf the first $66 billion package.

Paul1405,

Do you know what we will come out with at the other end of this catastrophe? POVERTY.

The likes of Morrison, Abbott, Rudd, Berejiklian, etc., along with money mongers like Rinehart, etc., have led us down this path, selling everyone on the idea that they needed to embrace China. But all they were ever interested in was getting their hands on Chinese cash to suit their own purposes.

And in a few short weeks the Wuhan virus has undone several decades of any gains from selling the country off to the Chinese and swamping our major cities with Chinese too the point where Sydney looks like nothing more than a Chinese entrepôt.

Hi Mr O,

I agree, we sold off the farm for a penny an acre, that's a fact, it made a small minority of elites in this country very wealthy, like Gina Rhinoceros. The Chinese took advantage of the opportunities presented, I don't blame them for that. The truth is China owes the Western countries like Australia nothing. Back in the day when they need help because of flood, famine and war we abandoned them, did nothing, less than nothing,

If you we running China and responsible for the welfare of 1.5 billion people, would you do anything different? Democracy is the best form of government, but its also a luxury for the privileged.

Comrade workers of the U.A.S.R, Greetings from Comrade Scumoski'

Our great and glorious party leader, Comrade Scumoski' met with Politburo at Kremlin today, through his great benevolence Comrade Scumoski' will put extra 1,300,000,000,000 rubles into wage for glorious workers of U.A.S.R. The love for glorious people of U.A.S.R by our great leader Comrade Scumoski' know no limit!

'The likes of Morrison, Abbott, Rudd, Berejiklian, etc., along with money mongers like Rinehart, etc., have led us down this path, selling everyone on the idea that they needed to embrace China. But all they were ever interested in was getting their hands on Chinese cash to suit their own purposes.'

You really are naïve and selective Mr Opinion

every voter that demanded higher wages for public servants, the abc, nurses, teachers, dole bludgers, more money for Gonski to dumb kids down, billions upon billions on the renewables scam, universities that pay professors for numerous useless arts degrees. Yep the list go on and on. At least Rinehart and others used their own money to give people real producing jobs and produce electricity that allows to to post your nonsense.

Dear runner,

You write;

"At least Rinehart and others used their own money to give people real producing jobs and produce electricity that allows to to post your nonsense."

A bit of humanity from you finally. Given Gina is arguably the largest user/abuser of 457 visas the fact you are willing to put your arm around our overseas brethren is heartening. Wonders never cease.

every voter that demanded higher wages for public servants, the abc, nurses, teachers, dole bludgers, more money for Gonski to dumb kids down, billions upon billions on the renewables scam, universities that pay professors for numerous useless arts degrees. Yep the list go on and on. At least Rinehart and others used their own money to give people real producing jobs and produce electricity that allows to to post your nonsense.
runner,
Accurately summed up !

individual,

What we need is more cashed up Chinese migrants and Chinese investors who are willing to take over Australia's assets.

Mr opinion,
No, we need fewer Mr Opinions, we need Citizens/permanent residents who contribute positively to our society ! Even if it's just in forums !