The federal government will provide $1,500 a fortnight in paid pandemic leave for Victorian workers who have run out of sick leave as they deal with the coronavirus.
Prime Minister Scott Morrison said the two-week "disaster payment" would be based on the model put in place by the Victorian government.
He said people could access the payment multiple times if they have to isolate more than once.
It is mainly aimed at people on short-term visas - those who are not permanent residents or Australian citizens who otherwise wouldn't have access to Commonwealth payments.
"Today is a day we are letting Victorians know that we are there to support you," Mr Morrison told reporters in Canberra on Monday.
Earlier, unions and business joined forces to call for a broad, national paid pandemic leave scheme.
The Australian Council of Trade Unions and Business Council of Australia formed a rare alliance to put pressure on the Morrison government.
The groups penned an open letter to Attorney-General Christian Porter demanding a federal scheme.
"Paid pandemic leave is now an essential public health measure that will combat the recent spike in workplace transmission in Victoria," they said on Monday.
Labor industrial relations spokesman Tony Burke said without a universal scheme there would be more community transmission, outbreaks and economy-smashing lockdowns.
"Every day the Morrison government delays on paid pandemic leave puts Australian lives and livelihoods at risk," he said.
Last week, the Australian Services Union renewed its push to have pandemic leave extended to disability, community services and crisis accommodation workers.
In a submission to the Fair Work Commission, ASU national secretary Robert Potter called for the extension to be made urgently.
Greens leader Adam Bandt said a lack of pandemic leave had increased the risk of the virus spreading through workplaces in Victoria.
“They've been forced into making terrible choices about coming to work when they shouldn't have to,” he said.
Some companies including Woolworths and Coles have already announced they would pay their casual staff if they have to take leave.
More than 240 staff at a Woolworths warehouse in Victoria walked off the job on Monday after a worker tested positive to coronavirus.
The workers at the Laverton distribution centre took the legal cease work action after a reported positive virus case on Friday night, the United Workers Union said in a statement.
It is unclear when the workers will return to work at the centre, which provides alcohol to Dan Murphys and BWS stores.
Woolworths said in a statement the company did contract tracing and cleaned the warehouse in line with the Department of Health and Human Services recommendations.
People in Australia must stay at least 1.5 metres away from others. Check your state’s restrictions on gathering limits.
If you are experiencing cold or flu symptoms, stay home and arrange a test by calling your doctor or contact the Coronavirus Health Information Hotline on 1800 020 080.
