As the first wave of JobKeeper payments are distributed throughout the country, the Australian Taxation Office says it will be keeping a close watch on employers and will expose those who try to defraud the system.
The government has allocated $130 billion for JobKeeper payments, which will pay eligible workers $1,500 every two weeks. Employers have been given until May 31st to register for the subsidy.
The JobKeeper payments come in addition to the estimated $4.5 billion that the federal government has already paid out to businesses that have been affected by the COVID-19 pandemic.
The ATO says its compliance officers will be carefully checking to ensure that all applicants meet the required criteria, while also working diligently to catch potential cheaters.
“We know that the overwhelming majority of Australian employers are honest and want to see this assistance reach those who need it most,” said an ATO spokesperson. “The ATO will work with employers to avoid and overcome genuine mistakes. There may be a very small number of people who seek to fraudulently access money they’re not entitled to. These people will be caught and will be subject to significant penalties.”
“We are working closely with the Fair Work Ombudsman and will refer tip-offs to them, as permitted under the law,” the spokesperson added.