Australia’s federal government released a stimulus package worth AUD$17.6 billion (US$10.6 billion) to help the country’s economy weather the coronavirus outbreak.
The government will use about AUD$4.8 billion (US$2.9 billion) to provide one-off, tax-free payments of AUD$750 (US$453) to individuals who qualify under multiple programs including the Farm Household Allowance.
The allowance assists farm families during times of financial hardship.
The government will use another AUD$1 billion (US$605 million) of that money to help sectors, regions and communities that are significantly affected by the virus, including those areas heavily reliant on agriculture.
The support could come in the form of fee waivers, identification of export markets and tax relief.
As of the morning of March 26, 2020, Australia had 2,799 cases of COVID-19 with 13 deaths.