Social Services and Other Legislation Amendment (Extension of Coronavirus Support) Bill 2020

The majority voted in favour of a motion to disagree with amendment (4), which means the amendment failed. According to Barton MP Linda Burney (Labor), the amendment "would require the minister to consider extending beneficial changes like the increased partner income test beyond 31 March 2021" in light of the continuing impact of COVID-19.

Amendment text

(4) Schedule 1, item 44, page 10 (after line 21), after section 1262, insert:

1262A Minister must immediately consider required modifications

As soon as practicable after this section commences, the Minister must consider whether the period for which a determination can be in force under section 1263 should be extended to allow determinations to be made for as long as the impacts from COVID-19 continue to exist.

Example: This could allow for the continuation, after 31 March 2021, of the extended partner income test, $300 income free areas and eligibility rules for people who are self-employed or sole traders.