COVID-19 disaster payments to be wound back as COVID vaccine targets are met

Hitting 70 per cent vaccination coverage of the population aged over 16 will trigger an end to automatic renewals, and individuals will have to reapply weekly.

At 80 per cent vaccination coverage, where a Commonwealth hotspot remains in place, the payment will be wound back over a two-week period.

In the first week after the jurisdiction has reached 80 per cent vaccination there will be a flat payment of $450 for those who have lost more than eight hours of work, while those on income support will receive $100.

In the second week, the payment will equal JobSeeker at $320 for the week for those who have lost more than eight hours of work, while the payment will end for those on income support.

ACT is currently on track to hit 70 per cent double dose vaccination rates first.

On Tuesday, 60 per cent of the population aged 12 and over were fully vaccinated.

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The payment consisted of $750 per week, provided to people who had lost more than 20 hours of work, $450 per week if they lost between eight and 20 hours and $200 per week for those on income support who lost more than eight hours.

"The temporary COVID-19 disaster payment has supported around two million Australians with over $9 billion in payments made since it was announced in June this year," a joint statement from Treasurer Josh Frydenberg and Minister for Emergency Management Bridget McKenzie said.

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