Labor will not ‘stand in the way’ of the coronavirus stimulus

Anthony Albanese says despite the government's lack of consultation about its coronavirus stimulus package, Labor will not be “standing in the way” of cash payments for workers and small business. The government has unveiled a $66 billion stimulus package designed to be the “bridge to recovery” for businesses on the brink of collapse and assist those left unemployed by the coronavirus crisis. Cash payments and a new loan guarantee scheme for small to medium enterprises, and income support for workers and businesses form the backbone of the second tranche of stimulus, bringing the total value of economic assistance to $189 billion. The government will push through the changes when parliament meets for at least one day next week. Mr Albanese told Sky News Labor will back most of the measures despite a lack of consultation between the two major parties. "What we are about here is outcomes, what people want to see is outcomes not arguments,” he said. When it comes to final votes we won’t be standing in the way of economic stimulus because the country needs it”. He also urged state and federal governments to act quickly when it comes to closing non-essential services. “If we know we are going to do something next week, we should be doing it today,” he said. The comments come after reports the NSW and Victoria Premiers will push for a complete shutdown of non-essential business at the national cabinet this evening in a bid to slow the spread of coronavirus. Via news.com.au — Australia’s #1 news site https://www.news.com.au