Tasmanian Labor has called on the Federal Government to use the powers it has to make sure no Australian worker is left behind.
Labor Leader Rebecca White said enhanced JobSeeker payments will start reaching bank accounts today, but not everyone in need will benefit.
"In particular, casuals and students are being unfairly excluded from much-needed support and are facing financial hardship.
"We're hearing from many students who have been working to support themselves while they gain qualifications who are ineligible for the JobSeeker payment due to their age.
"Young Tasmanians have lost the work they needed to survive while they study, but because of their age they're not eligible for JobSeeker. In a double whammy, many of them are also not eligible for JobKeeper.
"Students will become the skilled workers we need to give us a strong future - our next generation of teachers, engineers and nurses - but some are now facing financial hardship that will make it difficult for them to continue with their studies.
"Many are excluded from any support or relief programs provided by the Federal Government."
Ms White said it's not just students that have been overlooked.
"Many casual workers have been left high and dry because they've not been with their employer for 12 months. That's the arbitrary line in the sand that excludes many workers from JobKeeper.
"It ignores that a worker may have been in their industry for many years, and has moved around for opportunity. It ignores that a worker has paid tax and contributed to the economy. It ignores that a worker may have provided an important service and will be needed again on the other side of this pandemic.
"Tasmanian Labor has launched a petition today calling on the Federal Government to expand the JobSeeker and JobKeeper payment to cover excluded workers who find themselves in hardship through no fault of their own.
"No worker should be left behind and no person should face avoidable financial hardship because of this pandemic.
"We call on Josh Frydenberg to use the powers he has to show compassion and extend support to all Australians in need."
Rebecca White
Labor Leader
