Qld LNP’S secret windfall
THE state Opposition accessed Jobkeeper payments during the Covid-19 pandemic but refuses to reveal how much.
According to records published by the Electoral Commission of Queensland, the LNP received $174,221 from the Australian Taxation Office between July and December 2020.
A party spokesman said a portion of these receipts were Jobkeeper payments, but refused to reveal exactly how much.
“Like all applicants, political parties had to meet the requirements to qualify for JobKeeper and comply with the ongoing employment conditions,” he said.
“Like everyone, the LNP applied to help keep its staff in secure jobs at a very uncertain time. All disclosures are, and have been, made as required under the Act.”
Eligible Australian businesses and not-for-profits were able to access $1500 (before tax), each fortnight per employee under the first phase of Jobkeeper between March 30 and September 27 last year.
During the scheme’s extension phase, between September 28, 2020, and March 28 this year, payments were targeted to businesses that were still being substantially impacted by the pandemic.
The LNP did not access Jobkeeper payments this year.
The Queensland Labor Party did not access any payments during those periods.
According to the ECQ’S website, the LNP reported an income of $8m from July 1 to December 31 last year.