Rankin MP Jim Chalmers has warned the Federal LNP against winding back the JobKeeper program which is supporting about 21,000 workers in the electorate.
More than 40 per cent of local businesses in the community are enrolled in the program, with new numbers revealing that about 5541 businesses and organisations in Rankin are at risk if the government withdraws JobKeeper support too early.
Mr Chalmers said his estimates suggested these businesses employed 21,000 workers.
"These are the local businesses and workers being held hostage by the Federal LNP Government's decision to keep the JobKeeper review secret," Mr Chalmers said.
The LNP had initially intended to release their full review into the JobKeeper program at the end of June, but later decided to delay its publication until July 23, despite the report being handed to the Government ahead of schedule last week.
"The LNP have now received their secret report into JobKeeper but have chosen to keep it under wraps," Mr Chalmers said.
With rising unemployment and a number of high profile layoffs announced in recent weeks, there are growing concerns about how the uncertainty surrounding the future of JobKeeper and other programs may be stalling Australia's recovery.
"For every day and every delay, jobs are being lost to this uncertainty and hard-working Australians are paying the price during this recession," Mr Chalmers said.
"Thousands of businesses and workers in our community are increasingly anxious that they will be left out and left behind during this first recession in three decades.
"Our community needs and deserves a comprehensive plan to get us through the recovery.
"Scott Morrison should begin by immediately releasing his secret report into JobKeeper instead of keeping our community in the dark."
Mr Chalmers' calls came after Prime Minister Scott Morrison said people were refusing shifts because of the amount of money they're earning off the government on JobKeeper and JobSeeker.
Mr Morrison continued to suggest a higher JobSeeker unemployment payment will continue beyond September. But he said the amount must be a level that didn't discourage people from looking for work.
"What we have to be worried about now is we can't allow the JobSeeker payment to become an impediment for people going doing work, seeking extra shifts," he said, speaking on Sydney radio.
The treasurer's office failed to respond to requests by The Jimboomba Times for comment.
