JobKeeper Scheme Delivered Effectively Despite Shortcomings: ANAO Report

A window cleaner works on a shop front in Melbourne's central business district in Melbourne, Australia, on May 11, 2021. William West/AFP via Getty Images

An independent audit of Jobkeeper by the Australian National Audit Office (ANAO) has found the federal government largely implemented the pandemic support scheme effectively while having some shortcomings.

The federal government created the JobKeeper scheme at the beginning of the COVID-19 pandemic to keep Australians employed by supporting impacted businesses with payments of $1,500 (US$1,144) per worker per fortnight from March 30, 2020, to Sep. 28, 2020. The scheme was later extended twice at reduced rates.