Australian Prime Minister Scott Morrison has confirmed disaster recovery payments will now be available to anyone in NSW affected by the coronavirus lockdown.
"It's difficult news today for my fellow Sydneysiders as we learn we will go into lockdown tonight from 6pm across the greater metropolitan area - from up in the Central Coast, out in the Blue Mountains and down into Wollongong," Mr Morrison said.
"To support Sydneysiders going through this time, from the first of July the Commonwealth disaster recovery payments for the pandemic will kick in and you'll be able to access those by contacting Services Australia.
READ MORE: Lockdown extends beyond Sydney
"The same payments of up to $500 per week were also available during the recent Melbourne lockdown.
"This pandemic is sadly still raging all around the world and from time to time it will have its impact here in Australia."
Mr Morrison said the lockdown was a necessary decision taken by the NSW Government to stay on top of this latest outbreak.
He commended the state for their contact tracing efforts and Australia's handling of the coronavirus pandemic since it began.
READ MORE: What NSW lockdown announcement means for disaster payments
"Australia has been able to save lives and livelihoods and suppress this virus more successfully than almost any other country in the world," he said.
"But that doesn't mean there is any absolute guarantee against this insidious virus.
"This is truly a global pandemic and it will continue to seek to have its impact wherever and whenever it wants - so as Australians we have to endure these outcomes."
