The JobKeeper program ends soon. Here’s what could replace it

With the JobKeeper payments due to finish at the end of March, economists and hard-hit industries are pitching their ideas for what should replace the wage subsidy.

The government has been clear it won’t extend the program, but with nearly a million Australians still relying on it as of the end of January, Treasurer Josh Frydenberg has been dropping hints there will be a move to targeted assistance.

We’ve spoken to four groups to get their ideas for what should happen next.

1. HECS-style government loans to business

Who is behind it?

The Council of Small Business Associations (COSBOA), in partnership with the designer of the original HECS system, economist Peter Chapman.

What is it?

A government loan to coronavirus-hit small businesses, to be…