Parliament approved the government's $130 billlion wage subsidy scheme this week, which will see businesses paid $1500 a fortnight for each staff member they keep on.
Labor tried to get the program extended to include more casuals and people on temporary working visas, but its amendments were not successful.
Finance Minister Mathias Cormann has told Sky News the decision to exclude temporary workers is in keeping with longstanding government policy.
Minister Corman sadi, "the expectation always is that they are able to look after themselves while in Australia either through work, through savings, or we've facilitated easier access to their superannuation for those who have work rights while in Australia. I mean it's always been thus."
