Banking & Saving - Government finds hand-out scheme included the deceased

It has come to light that the Australian government's cash-handout scheme designed to help kick-start the economy has passed the aid to thousands of people that had earlier died.

The stimulation package was part of a multi-billion dollar scheme that entitled all Australian tax payers to a bonus payment of up to $900.

It has been found that around $17 million went to dead people, as well as $25 million given to Australians no longer living in the  country.

Local media sources have named the deceased involved as “the grateful dead”.

Finance Minister Lindsay Tanner has said this money will still help the economy.

"Even where they go to people who are dead, of course they go to the estate. The estate typically is going to consist of ordinary Australians who will in turn get the payments, and on balance over time, will spend those payments," he said.

He added that a "tiny proportion" of the cash handed to Aussie's living overseas may be spend elsewhere, which would not benefit the Australian economy.

But other ministers pointed out that over 99% of the money went to the right people.

Opposition members were not appeased.

ABC news quoted Liberal Senator Simon Birmingham saying: "If anybody saw any of the dead out there spending up big at Harvey Norman or Coles or Woolworths, please let me know,".

Written by Sam Gooch