REIA welcomes JobKeeper and JobSeeker extensions: Adrian Kelly

The Real Estate Institute of Australia has welcomed the extension of the JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments beyond September.

Today’s announcement by the Prime Minister and Treasurer provides businesses and individuals with a much needed lifeline in our industry, the economy and the community for the coming months.

The extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker payments were identified as the two main areas of support required in a survey the Real Estate Institute of Australia’s member Real Estate Institutes undertook of their members. These were subsequently highlighted in a submission to the Government.

REIA applauded the introduction of the JobKeeper as it kept many employed in the real estate sector. Many of these employees have been engaged in providing the essential service of keeping tenants housed during the pandemic.

With some 3.3 million properties that are rented or available for rent across Australia the extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker will do much to ease the stress and anxiety that many tenants are feeling at this time. Many of these are rented by people who have lost their jobs in industries that will be slow to recover.

The extension of JobKeeper and JobSeeker will play a vital role in helping Australians plan for recovery and rebuilding from the impact of COVID-19.

ADRIAN KELLY is the President of the Real Estate Institute of Australia