The couples split down the middle by Australia's coronavirus welfare payments

Tina* arrived in Sydney in February on a working holiday visa and with visions of a new life with her New Zealand-born partner, Brad*, who she’d been in a long-distance relationship since June 2019.“It's fortunate that I got to come to Australia to be with him, but unfortunate for the timing. It went wrong pretty quickly,” says the 27-year-old from the UK.

Amid the nationwide panic and confusion, Brad's family in New Zealand encouraged him to return there. But after living in Australia for six years, he says this is home. They made it to Tasmania, where Brad has previously lived, before the borders shut. But the competitive job market is now forcing them to live on opposite ends of the island to stay afloat.Zach qualifies for support but his German girlfriend Claire does not.Of the 2.17 million temporary visa holders in Australia, 118,000 are on a working holiday visa like Tina, and finding work right now is tough.

“Most temporary visa holders with work rights are able to access their Australian superannuation to help support themselves during this crisis,” a spokesperson from the Department of Home Affairs said. “Temporary visa holders who are unable to support themselves under these arrangements are encouraged to return home.”

Zach also lost his job in promotions for a Perth radio station due to the COVID-19 restrictions. He has been receiving the JobKeeper payment. “I never considered going back to Germany because I didn't consider myself a temporary visa holder. I've moved my whole life here. I don't have a life in Germany anymore because I gave up everything,” she says. “And, I'm not allowed to travel on my visa.”

How about they ask their own government for assistance? I don't see why we should be paying foreigners not to work.

FFS We are not resident or citizen partners. We are Australians. They are not. They can become residents and/or citizens by applying and qualifying. FFS

And? DefundSBS

Boo hoo. Shop local.

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