New Covid-19 restrictions

Q. You may be aware, on Tuesday 24 March Scott Morrison announced that from midnight Wednesday 25 March new restrictions will apply to a range of services including funerals, weddings, open houses, auctions, galleries and libraries. Although some states have decided to bring school holidays forward, Scott Morrison’s announcement said that schools should stay open.

Which of the following best describes how you feel about these new restrictions to reduce the spread of Covid-19?

Support for non-permanent residents accessing Australian government support

Q. You may be aware that non-permanent residents in Australia (such as skilled migrants, New Zealand citizens, people on temporary visas and refugees) are not currently eligible for most government benefits, such as Jobseeker Allowance. Non-permanent residents can’t return to their home countries as Australia has closed its international borders.

To what extent do you support or oppose, non-permanent residents being able to access Australian government support if they lose their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak?

• 54% of participants support non-permanent residents accessing Australian government support if they lose their jobs as a result of the Covid-19 outbreak.
• Capital residents are more likely to support this measure than non-capital residents (57% compared to 48%).

Employment situation during Covid-19 outbreak

Q. Which of the following best describes the impact of Covid-19 on your work:

• 25% of participants are worried about losing their job because of the Covid-19 outbreak and another 19% were in paid employment before the outbreak, but now are not.
• 32% of 18-34 year olds say they were in paid work before the Covid-19 outbreak but am not now – this is higher than 35-54 year olds (17%).

Financial situation during Covid-19 outbreak

Q. Which of the following best describes your financial situation during the Covid-19 outbreak?

Coronavirus concerns

Q. To what extent are you concerned about the threat of the Coronavirus in Australia?

• Concern about the threat of the Covid-19 virus has increased this week as the impact of the outbreak affects more of the country. 39% are now very concerned by the threat (up from 27% at the start of the month), while 43% say they are quite concerned (up from 36%).
• Concern is highest among over 55 year olds (41% very concerned) and those in capital cities (40% concerned)

Likelihood of developing Coronavirus

Q. How likely do you think it is, that you will develop Covid-19?

• There has been an increase in the likelihood of developing Covid-19 during the last fortnight. 42% now say it is somewhat or very likely that they will develop Covid-19 (up from 31%).
• Younger people (aged 18-34, 10% very likely to develop Covid-19) and those living in capital cities (9%) are more likely to expect to develop the virus than older people (55+) and those living in regional areas.

Reaction to Covid-19

Q. Which of the following is closer to your personal views of the Covid-19 outbreak?

• A third of people believe there has been an over-reaction to the threat of Covid-19. Men (36%) and those aged 18-34 (39%) are more likely to think there has been an over-reaction than women (30%) and those aged 55+ (23%).
• 39% think the reaction has been proportionate to the threat and 28% believe the threat has been under-estimated.
• Those who think there has been an over-reaction are less concerned about the threat of Covid-19 (69% very/somewhat concerned, compared to 92% who think the threat has been under-estimated) and think they are less likely to contract the virus (38% to 49% very/somewhat likely to catch Covid-19).

Government response to Covid-19

Q. Overall, how would you rate the Government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?

• 45% of people rate the performance of the government to the threat has been quite or very good. Those aged over 55 are more likely to rate the performance as good (62%).
• Those aged 18-34 were most likely to rate the performance as poor (very/quite poor, 38%).
• Those who think the threat of Covid-19 has been under-estimated have a low rating of government performance (46% very/quite poor).