Labor leader Anthony Albanese says the government has “picked up its game” on coronavirus but there is more to be done for casual workers and stranded migrants.
Mr Albanese told SBS News he was particularly concerned about casual workers who did not qualify for government support during the coronavirus pandemic.
“Jobseeker took some time to flow and Jobkeeper doesn’t come in for a period of time. What people needed was immediate support,” he said.
“We are also concerned about the 1.1 million casuals who won’t be provided with assistance. That includes particular sectors like arts and entertainment.
“It is not reasonable that people in the arts and entertainment industry, contractors, are left without an income. That will create a long term issue.”
Mr Albanese said he was worried about how foreign visa holders in Australia would cope if they lost their jobs.
“What does someone who is here – with no income – do to survive,” he said.
“They are here in Australia, they don’t have income support and they are relying on charity to get from day to day.”
Mr Albanese joined Prime Minister Scott Morrison in condemning the racist abuse of Asian-Australians.
“That’s not on. That’s not the Australian way. We need to respect each other at this difficult time,” he said.
He also weighed into the Ruby Princess cruise ship fiasco, in which infected passengers were allowed to enter Sydney before COVID-19 test results were known.
“What we have here is the state government blames the federal government blames the state government.
“For the government to say there’s nothing to see here is just not good enough. What we need to do is resolve this issue and for the buck-passing to stop.”
Mr Albanese said he was waiting for more detail on the government’s new coronavirus tracing app.
The app, to trace contacts of those infected the virus, has drawn praise from public health and infectious disease experts.
“I would be concerned about compulsory tracing of where people are at any particular point in time,” he said.
“You do need to balance these issues. We haven’t been provided with a briefing or the detail.”
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others and gatherings are limited to two people unless you are with your family or household.
If you believe you may have contracted the virus, call your doctor (don’t visit) or contact the national Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
If you are struggling to breathe or experiencing a medical emergency, call 000.
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