A MAMMOTH $130 billion federal government package could be a lifeline for many south-west workers, as businesses make applications to save their employees' livelihoods.
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Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced the historic Job Keeper subsidies this week, allowing businesses shut down by a coronavirus downturn to pay their staff $1500 a fortnight.
Bohemia Cafe and Bar casual worker Tash Clark, who lost her income when the cafe closed as national health restrictions tightened last week, was among relieved Warrnambool workers.
"I do look at the positives of having a job at the end of this," Ms Clark said.
"I have done the process of applying for the Centrelink job seeker payments, and with the time frame of them I didn't know how long I would be left without any funds coming in."
The payments, which are given to eligible businesses to pay employees, are about $400 more than the job seeker payments and coronavirus supplement available through Centrelink.
Ms Clark said for now losing employment had thrown a goal to build her savings and share costs while living with a parent into disarray.
But Ms Clark said it was not just the financial hit, but being without the social connection from her job, that she found "mentally exhausting".
"I love social connection and that's why I love my job so much," she said.
Steve Hickman, who owns the cafe with wife Jo, said the payments would not enable the business to re-open, but would help it retain its 14 staff.
"Even though they may not be working they are still our employees," Mr Hickman said.
"It gives you stability, you know when we open the doors we are going to have long-term stability with the same staff."
He said it was "fantastic news for anyone who has been put off" but the "devil could be in the detail" and the cafe was looking to clarify how the payments worked.
South Coast Curtains and Blinds owner Dean Ray stood down seven staff last week after taking a cautious approach to stop his staff from working in customers' homes.
He applied for his staff to receive the payment this week, and is now waiting until the first week of May when he hopes the money will begin to flow.
Mr Ray said he was hopeful his application would be successful despite having shut the business off his "own bat" with no government enforced closures for retail yet.
"I am feeling pretty confident I am doing it for the right reasons and the government will see it the same way as me," he said.
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