JobKeeper numbers set to rise

MORE Queenslanders could end up on the JobKeeper wage subsidy after September because of the state’s growing border restrictions, Prime Minister Scott Morrison warned.

Mr Morrison warned that COVID-19 “will be around for some time” and that Australia did not have a “golden immunity” protecting it.

The Queensland Government will ban anyone from greater Sydney entering the state from 1am on Saturday.

Mr Morrison warned on Thursday that the state’s decision on borders could see more businesses forced to rely on JobKeeper after September than previously anticipated.

“Those changes could be made just as easily in a week or so, and that could be reversed, and that economic impact, hopefully, therefore would be avoided,” he said.

But he did not criticise Premier Annastacia Palaszczuk’s position, despite having taken a more combative tone on borders last month.

“All I say is the decisions, when it comes to these matters, should be based on the best possible medical advice,” Mr Morrison said.

Trade and Tourism Minister

Simon Birmingham said an “on again, off again” approach to borders would damage business confidence.

“I think there are lasting repercussions of a decision like that one that will take a little bit longer to overcome.”

Mr Morrison said it was important not to become complacent. “I think we’ve got to be careful not to slip into some idea that there is some golden immunity that Australia has in relation to this virus,” he said.

“This virus will be around for some time and we will direct every effort and every resource we have to stop its impact across our community.”