JobKeeper can’t be forever but is needed a little longer

I adamantly support a permanent increase to the base rate of JobSeeker beyond March. I am less sure about extending JobKeeper, but I can see a case, which I’ll get to.

First, let’s consider the cons of extending JobKeeper.

The main potential pitfall is that the program, by stapling workers to their existing employers, stops the “re-allocation of labour”. That is, people are supported to remain in jobs that might not otherwise be viable. Might these workers be better off exploring new job…