MAKING IT WORK
THE JobKeeper scheme has been an “absolute lifeline” for maritime-theme restaurant Splash Seafood and while the owner said she was grateful, the government could enhance the scheme for workers even as the pandemic worsens in southern parts of Australia.
Megan McKay, who has been running the Esplanade restaurant for nearly 20 years, said it was closed for 64 days at the height of the pandemic in Cairns and that JobKeeper “has definitely given us extra support”.
“We’re grateful for any support from any government level to help keep employment
going. It’s been nice to be back and see local people and their smiles,” Ms McKay said.
However, she said with only five of her 15 employees eligible for the payment, she would like to see the Federal Government introduce a scheme that helped businesses employ more people rather than merely retaining them.
“For those on JobKeeper, it’s given them security too and has allowed us to retain them,” Ms McKay said.
“While JobKeeper 2.0 has been announced until March and it’s been very well received, we were hoping the government would do more to provide incentives to hire more staff.
“It’s also not been an even playing field. While others have retained most of their staff through the payment, others like myself have been eligible for only 20 to 30 per cent of staff.”
Asked whether she had concerns about the situation in southern states, she said “we are a little fearful”.
“It’s not the trade we used to have as we don’t have international tourists.
“Across the region, it’s going to be hard for tourism full stop. It’s very concerning. We’re going to be hit hard, but we do have to deal with this pandemic first.”
Part-time supervisor Tullulah Rodda, who is on JobKeeper, said it had been a security.
“It’s been pretty comfortable to know it’s there,” she said.
Ms Rodda said the payment made her “feel good” to know it was helping her employer.
“Business is quiet at night so that’s a bit sad, but lunch time is better than ever since the coronavirus started,” she said.
“Locals are really supporting each other.”