Federal government response to Covid-19
Q. Overall, how would you rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 | 30/11 | 16/11 | |
Very poor | 13% | 16% | 13% | 12% | 10% | 6% | 7% | 5% | 6% | 5% | 4% | 6% | 5% |
Quite poor | 22% | 19% | 19% | 17% | 14% | 12% | 10% | 7% | 8% | 7% | 11% | 8% | 9% |
Neither good nor poor | 24% | 28% | 23% | 26% | 22% | 25% | 21% | 18% | 24% | 19% | 19% | 19% | 18% |
Quite good | 32% | 28% | 32% | 33% | 38% | 40% | 40% | 39% | 39% | 42% | 42% | 41% | 41% |
Very good | 9% | 10% | 14% | 11% | 15% | 18% | 22% | 31% | 23% | 27% | 25% | 26% | 26% |
TOTAL: Poor | 35% | 35% | 31% | 30% | 24% | 18% | 17% | 12% | 14% | 12% | 14% | 13% | 15% |
TOTAL: Good | 41% | 38% | 46% | 44% | 53% | 58% | 62% | 70% | 62% | 69% | 67% | 67% | 67% |
Base (n) | 1,100 | 1,098 | 1,100 | 1,099 | 1,104 | 1,100 | 1,368 | 1,124 | 1,074 | 1,109 | 1,092 | 1,034 | 1,010 |
TOTAL: Good | 16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 |
NSW | 34% | 39% | 49% | 44% | 62% | 56% | 66% | 69% | 64% |
VIC | 37% | 33% | 39% | 40% | 42% | 57% | 55% | 65% | 51% |
QLD | 44% | 40% | 46% | 48% | 54% | 56% | 63% | 69% | 66% |
SA | 45% | 48% | 51% | 48% | 58% | 66% | 62% | 78% | 68% |
WA | 53% | 37% | 51% | 42% | 49% | 56% | 65% | 75% | 66% |
- 41% of people rate the federal government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak as quite good or very good (38% earlier in the month), with 35% rating it as quite poor or very poor (35% earlier in the month).
- Just 9% of people say the response of the federal government has been very good- the lowest recorded since the start of the pandemic.
- Positive rating of the federal government’s handling of Covid-19 has dropped further in NSW and SA compared to earlier this month (down 5% to 34%, and 3% to 45% respectively). This is the lowest recorded rating for both states.
Positive rating has improved in WA (up 16% to 53%).
State government response to Covid-19
Q. How would you rate your state government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?
TOTAL: Good | 16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 24/05 | 12/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 | 15/02 | 01/02 | 30/11 | 16/11 |
NSW | 42% | 47% | 54% | 57% | 69% | 68% | 73% | 75% | 72% | 72% | 71% | 76% | 75% |
VIC | 56% | 54% | 49% | 50% | 48% | 63% | 58% | 62% | 49% | 59% | 61% | 60% | 59% |
QLD | 66% | 60% | 62% | 61% | 65% | 68% | 72% | 75% | 73% | 76% | 78% | 72% | 71% |
SA | 68% | 73% | 68% | 67% | 67% | 71% | 75% | 85% | 78% | 79% | 80% | 70% | 76% |
WA | 87% | 82% | 77% | 86% | 75% | 77% | 84% | 91% | 85% | 88% | 80% | 83% | 82% |
- Amid the ongoing Covid-19 outbreak and lockdown in NSW, positive rating of the state government’s response to Covid-19 continues to drop, now at 42% from 47% earlier this month.
- Positive rating of the state government in Victoria is at a consistent level with earlier this month (now at 56%, 54% earlier this month), and has improved compared to this time last month (49%).
- Positive rating of the WA government’s handling of Covid-19 has increased to 82%, an improvement from a month ago (77%).
Confidence in federal government’s long-term plans
Q. Please indicate which is closest to your view about the federal government’s plan for each of the following issues:
TOTAL: I’m confident the federal government has a long-term plan, and it’s clear to me what this plan is | Aug’21 | May’21 |
Minimise the long-term impact of remote learning on children and young people’s education | 18% | – |
Reduce the national deficit | 18% | 16% |
Reopen international borders | 21% | 21% |
Establish quarantine facilities | 23% | 21% |
Protect children and young people from getting Covid-19 | 25% | – |
The Covid-19 vaccine rollout | 26% | 25% |
- Since May, the federal government has not convinced any more people it has a long-term plan to deal with the major challenges of the Covid-19 pandemic.
- 26% say they are confident the government has a plan, and it’s clear what it is for the vaccine roll-out (25% in May), 23% are clear on the government’s plans for quarantine facilities (21% in May), and 21% think there is a clear long-term plan to reopen international borders (21% in May).
I’m confident the federal government has a long-term plan, and it’s clear to me what this plan is | I’m confident the federal government has a long-term plan, but it hasn’t been communicated well | I’m not confident the federal government has a long-term plan | |
Minimise the long-term impact of remote learning on children and young people’s education | 18% | 39% | 43% |
Reduce the national deficit | 18% | 40% | 42% |
Reopen international borders | 21% | 38% | 41% |
Establish quarantine facilities | 23% | 37% | 40% |
Protect children and young people from getting Covid-19 | 25% | 37% | 38% |
The Covid-19 vaccine rollout | 26% | 39% | 35% |
- There is uncertainty about the federal government’s long-term plans, or a perception that these plans have not been communicated clearly to the public.
- 43% of people aren’t confident there is a long-term plan from minimising the long-term impact of remote learning on children and young people’s education. 39% are confident a plan exists but think it hasn’t been communicated well.
- Over a third (35%) are not confident the federal government has a long-term plan for protecting children and young people from getting Covid-19. A further third (39%) are confident a plan exists but think it hasn’t been communicated well.
Personal impact of Covid-19
Q. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the Covid-19 pandemic and its effects?:
TOTAL: Agree | Aug’21 | Apr’20 |
I have a clear idea of what I can and can’t do under social distancing rules | 75% | 79% |
Social distancing will probably get easier over time | 56% | 61% |
I’m able to get more things done around the house | 54% | 61% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] I find I’m able to get more things done for work | 38% | 37% |
I feel lonelier now, than before the pandemic | 37% | 36% |
I’m worried by the effects of social distancing on my personal relationships | 34% | 29% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] I’m working longer hours than I used to before the pandemic | 30% | 29% |
I’m developing stronger friendships with people I can only contact via phone or internet | 28% | 31% |
- Compared to last year, many effects of lockdowns have become no more manageable.
- 38% are able to get more things done around the house (37% in April 2020), and 37% say they feel lonelier than before the pandemic (36% in April 2020).
- However, more people than last year say they are worried about the effect of social distancing on their personal relationships (34%, up from 29%), and fewer people say social distancing will get easier (56%, down from 61%), and they are more productive around the house (54%, down from 61%).
TOTAL: Agree | TOTAL: Disagree | Strongly agree | Somewhat agree | Neither disagree nor agree | Somewhat disagree | Strongly disagree | |
I have a clear idea of what I can and can’t do under social distancing rules | 75% | 10% | 38% | 37% | 15% | 6% | 4% |
Social distancing will probably get easier over time | 56% | 17% | 15% | 41% | 27% | 11% | 6% |
I’m able to get more things done around the house | 54% | 14% | 15% | 39% | 32% | 8% | 6% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] I find I’m able to get more things done for work | 38% | 17% | 12% | 27% | 45% | 11% | 5% |
I feel lonelier now, than before the pandemic | 37% | 37% | 13% | 24% | 25% | 18% | 20% |
I’m worried by the effects of social distancing on my personal relationships | 34% | 39% | 10% | 24% | 27% | 22% | 17% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] I’m working longer hours than I used to before the pandemic | 30% | 40% | 9% | 21% | 30% | 23% | 17% |
I’m developing stronger friendships with people I can only contact via phone or internet | 28% | 30% | 7% | 21% | 42% | 17% | 13% |
Concern about the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on adults
Q. Thinking about Covid-19 lockdowns across Australia, to what extent are you concerned about the effect of lockdowns on the following?
TOTAL: Concerned | Aug’21 | Jul’21 |
My financial situation | 54% | – |
My mental wellbeing | 51% | 50% |
My physical health | 50% | – |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] My risk of unemployment or reduced hours | 48% | – |
My personal relationships | 43% | 39% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] My work-life balance | 43% | 49% |
- The effect of lockdowns is not getting any easier on people’s mental health, with 51% saying they are concerned with their mental wellbeing (50% in July 2021). 43% say they are concerned for their personal relationships (39% in July 2021), and 43% of people in employment are concerned about their work-life balance (49% in July 2021).
TOTAL: Concerned | TOTAL:
Not Concerned |
Very concerned | Moderately concerned | Not that concerned | Not concerned at all | |
My financial situation | 54% | 46% | 21% | 33% | 28% | 18% |
My mental wellbeing | 51% | 49% | 21% | 30% | 30% | 19% |
My physical health | 50% | 50% | 16% | 34% | 32% | 17% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] My risk of unemployment or reduced hours | 48% | 52% | 17% | 30% | 28% | 24% |
My personal relationships | 43% | 57% | 14% | 29% | 34% | 22% |
[Asked only to those currently in paid work] My work-life balance | 43% | 57% | 13% | 30% | 37% | 20% |
- The biggest cause of concern for people is their financial situation (54%). Around half are concerned for their mental wellbeing (51%) and physical health (50%).
- 48% of those in employment are concerned that the lockdowns will result in unemployment or reduced hours.
Concern about the impact of Covid-19 lockdowns on children
Q. And now thinking about Covid-19 lockdowns and their impact on children, to what extent are you concerned about the effect of lockdowns on the following?
[Asked only to those with dependent children in the household]
TOTAL: Concerned | Aug’21 | Jul’21 |
My child(ren) missing out on socialising (with their friends, peers, teachers, etc.) | 69% | – |
My child(ren)’s mental wellbeing | 65% | 59% |
My child(ren) falling behind in their learning at school | 61% | 55% |
My child(ren) developing behavioural issues | 51% | 49% |
Base (n) | 392 | 433 |
- Parents’ concern for the impact of lockdowns on children has increased since July.
- 65% are now concern for their children’s wellbeing (59% in July), and 61% are concerned their children are falling behind at school (55% in July).
Asked only to those with dependent children in the household (n=392) | TOTAL: Concerned | TOTAL:
Not Concerned |
Very concerned | Moderately concerned | Not that concerned | Not concerned at all |
My child(ren) missing out on socialising (with their friends, peers, teachers, etc.) | 69% | 31% | 34% | 35% | 16% | 15% |
My child(ren)’s mental wellbeing | 65% | 35% | 31% | 34% | 18% | 17% |
My child(ren) falling behind in their learning at school | 61% | 39% | 30% | 31% | 18% | 21% |
My child(ren) developing behavioural issues | 51% | 49% | 23% | 27% | 26% | 23% |
Asked only those with school-aged children, teenagers, or older dependent children in the household (n=275) | ||||||
My child(ren)’s readiness for life beyond school (e.g. university, work) | 58% | 42% | 29% | 30% | 20% | 22% |
My child(ren) suffering from exam stress exacerbated by lockdowns | 56% | 44% | 21% | 34% | 19% | 25% |
- The greatest concern for parents is their children missing out on socialising (69%), followed by children’s mental wellbeing (65%).
- Among parents with school-aged children, teenagers or older dependent children, 58% are concerned that the lockdowns will affect their children’s readiness for life beyond school, and 56% are concerned about extra exam stress.
Current emotional state
Q. Thinking about how you feel currently, how would you rate yourself on the scales below?
[Asked on a 0-10 scale where 0-negative emotion and 10-positive emotion (e.g. 0-Uncertain, 10-Certain)]
TOTAL:
Negative emotion (0-3) |
TOTAL:
Neutral (4-6) |
TOTAL:
Positive emotion (7-10) |
NET; Result
(Positive – Negative) |
|
Uncertain / Certain | 34% | 31% | 36% | +2% |
Frustrated / Content | 31% | 32% | 37% | +6% |
Stressed / Calm | 29% | 30% | 41% | +12% |
Lethargic / Energised | 27% | 38% | 35% | +8% |
Sad / Happy | 27% | 32% | 41% | +14% |
Pessimistic / Optimistic | 25% | 33% | 42% | +17% |
Angry / Not angry | 24% | 28% | 48% | +24% |
- When thinking about their current state of emotions, people are mostly less angry than angry (48% to 24%), and optimistic than pessimistic (42% to 25%).
- However, attitudes towards certainty are split (36% say they are certain, 34% uncertain) and many are frustrated (31% to 37% who are content).
TOTAL:
Positive emotion (7-10) |
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
Certain | 36% | 43% | 29% | 34% | 36% | 37% | 31% | 47% | 29% | 28% |
Content | 37% | 43% | 32% | 34% | 37% | 40% | 33% | 47% | 34% | 31% |
Calm | 41% | 47% | 36% | 32% | 43% | 47% | 35% | 52% | 41% | 30% |
Energised | 35% | 39% | 31% | 29% | 36% | 39% | 30% | 45% | 25% | 29% |
Happy | 41% | 45% | 37% | 38% | 40% | 44% | 37% | 52% | 34% | 35% |
Optimistic | 42% | 47% | 38% | 37% | 42% | 47% | 40% | 55% | 32% | 29% |
Not angry | 48% | 49% | 47% | 42% | 48% | 54% | 46% | 56% | 44% | 37% |
TOTAL:
Negative emotion (0-3) |
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||
Uncertain | 34% | 31% | 36% | 29% | 36% | 36% | 36% | 26% | 47% | 41% |
Frustrated | 31% | 28% | 34% | 31% | 31% | 31% | 39% | 23% | 31% | 40% |
Stressed | 29% | 26% | 32% | 35% | 29% | 24% | 33% | 21% | 37% | 39% |
Lethargic | 27% | 23% | 31% | 30% | 27% | 25% | 30% | 18% | 34% | 42% |
Sad | 27% | 22% | 32% | 28% | 27% | 27% | 32% | 18% | 37% | 35% |
Pessimistic | 25% | 24% | 25% | 24% | 28% | 21% | 30% | 17% | 32% | 36% |
Angry | 24% | 22% | 25% | 26% | 22% | 24% | 26% | 19% | 26% | 32% |
- Men are more positive than women, with men more likely to say they have certainty (43%), they are content (43%), and calm (47%) among others. While women are more likely to be uncertain (36%), frustrated (34%) and stressed (32%).
- People aged 18-34 are more likely to say they are stressed than those aged over 55 (35% to 24%).
- Those voting for the Coalition are most likely to be feeling positive, with a higher incidence of those who are happy (52%), optimistic (55%) and calm (52%).
Uptake of a Covid-19 vaccine – Adults
Q. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia.
Once a vaccine becomes available to you, how long would you wait before taking it?
16/08 | 02/08 | 19/07 | 05/07 | 07/06 | 10/05 | 26/04 | 15/03 | 01/03 | 18/01 | 14/12 | 10/08 | |
I’d get vaccinated as soon as possible / I’ve already been vaccinated / I’ve already had the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine / I’ve already had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine | 68% | 64% | 63% | 51% | 52% | 44% | 42% | 49% | 50% | 42% | 43% | 56% |
I’d get vaccinated, but wouldn’t do it straight away | 24% | 25% | 27% | 33% | 36% | 42% | 42% | 40% | 40% | 47% | 46% | 35% |
I’d never get vaccinated | 8% | 11% | 11% | 16% | 13% | 14% | 16% | 12% | 10% | 11% | 10% | 8% |
Base (n) | 1,100 | 1,098 | 1,100 | 1,099 | 1,104 | 1,092 | 1,090 | 1,124 | 1,074 | 1,084 | 1,071 | 1,008 |
- The vaccine rollout continues to progress, with 68% who have either received a vaccine, or would do so as soon as possible.
- A quarter (24%) now would wait to receive a vaccine (down from 47% in January).
- 8% say they would never get vaccinated (11% earlier in August).

COVID-19 RESEARCH
Read Essential's ongoing research on the public response to Covid-19.
Essential Report
In this week's report:
- Performance of Scott Morrison
- Performance of Anthony Albanese
- Preferred Prime Minister
- Views towards re-electing the federal Coalition government
- Party trust to handle issues
- Importance of Australia’s international reputation
- Scott Morrison’s impact on Australia’s international reputation
- Views towards Australia’s international reputation
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