Help is on the way for struggling businesses and workers financially hit by Sydney's latest coronavirus outbreak.
The federal government is set to announce a Covid-19 rescue package to provide financial support for businesses crippled by a lockdown which is expected to last for weeks as cases continue to soar.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison and federal treasurer Josh Frydenberg held a phone hook-up with NSW Premier Gladys Berejiklian and state treasurer Dominic Perrottet on Sunday to discuss financial support, just a week after federal government told state officials to fund their own relief package.
A Expenditure Review Committee meeting will be held on Monday, where federal ministers will consider a submission on how NSW can best be supported.
Australia's Chief Medical Officer Paul Kelly has confirmed disaster payments will be made available to struggling businesses and households devastated by the lockdown which has entered its third week.
The federal and NSW governments are set to announce a joint financial assistance package for affected businesses as the state's Covid-19 crisis worsens
'It is very practical support that is happening from the Commonwealth in relation to the situation in Sydney,' Professor Kelly said.
'That includes because that is a Commonwealth designated hot spot, there is funding available for aged care, for example, in terms of single site worker payments, there is the disaster, the Covid disaster payment which is also available now for people who are eligible in Sydney.'
Sunday's phone hook-up between the Prime Minister, NSW treasurers also discussed mental health supports will be required for locked-down residents under Sydney's current restrictions, which could be toughed in the coming days.
The federal government is believed to have ruled out bringing back JobKeeper, instead opting for direct payments to workers and businesses.
The government has long tried to clarify that JobKeeper did not go to businesses to keep them afloat, but went to workers via their employers.
Government sources called the new income support 'almost identical' to JobKeeper in its tangible help of workers and businesses.
The federal government Covid-19 rescue package will include more financial support for businesses crippled by the latest lockdown in Sydney. Pictured is a deserted restaurant in Circular Quay
The Treasury have put forward a number of support options for Scott Morrison to consider, with the changes to apply nationally to future lockdowns
Workers who lost income as a result of Sydney's lockdown can already apply for payments of up to $500 a week.
The federal government created a coronavirus disaster payment during Melbourne's fourth lockdown last month, and is also available for Sydneysiders.
People can receive the
