PM backs lockdown & Sydneysiders eligible for disaster payment.

Prime Minister Scott Morrison this afternoon, describing the lockdown for Greater Sydney and surrounds as a “necessary decision.”

In a video message from the Lodge in Canberra, Mr Morison praised the NSW governmnet for traeating a lockdown as a last resort rather than rushing it. The PM said he knew the decision to lock down was one the NSW government had hoped to avoid.

“This is a necessary decision that has been taken by the NSW government, a decision that they have not rushed to, that they’ve sought to prevent,” he said. “But at the end of the day, this is what’s necessary to stay on top of this latest outbreak.“

Mr Morrison said $500 Commonwealth disaster recovery payments would be available for Sydneysiders. Sydney residents out of work due to being in COVID-19 lockdown can get support payments of $500 from July 1.

The federal government introduced the temporary COVID disaster payment amid the Greater Melbourne lockdown early this month.

“You’ll be able to access those by contacting Services Australia. These same payments of up to $500 per week were made also available during the most recent Melbourne lockdown,” he said.

 “This pandemic, sadly, is still raging all around the world. And from time to time it will have its impact here in Australia.

“I thank you for your patience. I thank you for your forbearance and together, Sydney, we’ll get through this.”

People who live or work in Greater Sydney, the Blue Mountains, the Central Coast and Wollongong will be subject to stay-at-home orders for two weeks from 6pm today.

While work is a permitted reason to leave home, many non-essential businesses may elect to close down or limit staffing for the duration.