stimulus package

The latest measures and funding announced by the Federal government in response to the coronavirus pandemic include a $1.1 billion health and safety package and a new government app.

As the governments work out stimulus packages, officials can either decide to continue the “trickle-down” approach to first protect banks, corporations and their investors with monetary stimuli.

Government fees and charges will be frozen and the health sector will receive extra funding under the ACT government’s $137 million stimulus package.

The City of Melbourne has announced a $10 million stimulus package to keep residents in jobs and support local businesses affected by the coronavirus. The Victorian government has not yet released its own stimulus.

On Tuesday Premier Peter Gutwein said the package would support the public sector and provide “targeted assistance” to businesses and the workforce to help retain jobs.

The funds will double the capacity of intensive care units, prepare for additional coronavirus testing, bring forward elective surgeries to private hospitals, and buy medical equipment, including ventilators.

An immediate freeze will be placed on household fees and charges including electricity, water, motor vehicle charges, the emergency services levy and public transport fares, according to Premier Mark McGowan and Treasurer Ben Wyatt.