Over $71 million of payments have made their way into the pockets of struggling New England residents.
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The two Economic Support Payments of $750 were automatically deposited in the banks of eligible people throughout March, April and July.
This number coincides with newly released figures revealing at the moment, there are 6009 businesses and an estimated 22,835 workers on JobKeeper in the region.
New England MP Barnaby Joyce said he knows the payments have made a big difference in the lives of so many in the community, but they "couldn't go on forever".
While we acknowledge the spending and financial support cannot go on forever, it's important we look after the vulnerable and those most in need in our towns and villages.
- Barnaby Joyce
Senator Tim Ayres told the Leader he is concerned upcoming changes to the JobKeeper scheme would be a death knell to hundreds of our jobs. Payments will fall from $1,500 to $1,200 a fortnight after September.
"Morrison's JobKeeper cuts are coming at the worst possible time for the 6009 New England businesses that rely on JobKeeper and thousands more that rely upon consumer spending," he said.
"How many of those important regional businesses will close?
The effects of these JobKeeper cuts will be felt in households across New England, and it will be local families who are left trying to make ends meet.
- Tim Ayres
"The effects of these JobKeeper cuts will be felt in households across New England, and it will be local families who are left trying to make ends meet."
With one empty job for every 28 unemployed workers in regional areas, Mr Ayres predicts 400,000 Australians will lose their jobs between now and Christmas.
Yet the government says it will continue to do what is necessary to "cushion the blow".
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"I know a lot of people are doing it tough out there and I have been fighting hard to make sure our community remains supported thorough the devastating impacts of the global pandemic," Mr Joyce said.
"While we acknowledge the spending and financial support cannot go on forever, it's important we look after the vulnerable and those most in need in our towns and villages."
