‘Beg for every scrap’: Victoria fumes after Morrison and NSW unveil $500m a week Covid lockdown package

Unions disappointed jobkeeper not reinstated but business leaders say support will save jobs and help protect livelihoods'

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A multibillion-dollar economic support package for businesses and workers affected by the greater Sydney lockdown has been slammed by unions as a betrayal of workers but business groups say the lifeline will save jobs.

The joint commonwealth and New South Wales government package unveiled on Tuesday - to cost more than $500m a week during the greater Sydney lockdown - sparked a fresh row between the federal and Victorian governments with the latter accusing Scott Morrison of a double standard" that favoured his home state.