Q. Out of the following two strategies, which do you think the Australian government should pursue in its response to the Covid-19 outbreak?

• The population is split on the preferred strategy to deal with Covid-19 in Australia. While 56% of participants think the Australian government should pursue a suppression strategy towards Covid-19, 46% opted for elimination of the virus.
• Suppression was the favoured b the majority of residents in all states.
• Coalition voters (69%) are more in favour of the Suppression strategy than, Labor (48%), Greens (46%) and voters for other parties (51%).

Q. To what extent do you support or oppose the mandatory use of face masks or coverings in public places to reduce the spread of Covid-19?

• There is strong support for the mandatory use of face masks and coverings in public places, with two-thirds (68%) of participants supporting this enforcement. (either strongly or somewhat).
• Support for this position was highest among women (71% support), those over 55 years old (77%), people in NSW (70%) and Victorian residents (74%).

Q. In your opinion, how effective are face masks or coverings at preventing the spread of Covid-19?

• There is widespread belief that using face masks can reduce the spread of the virus, 19% think they are very effective and 46% quite effective. Just 5% thinking they are not effective at all effective in preventing the spread of Covid-19.
• Victorians are most likely to believe masks are effective at preventing the spread of Covid-19 with 19% believing they are ‘very effective’ and 56% saying ‘quite effective’.

Q. In response to the Covid-19 outbreak, what do you expect will happen to the restriction levels in your local area over the next two months?

• Australians are preparing for a continuation, or tightening of restrictions over the next few months. 39% expect tighter restrictions in their local area and the same number do not expect any change to the current rules and guidelines. About one in five (22%) believe that restrictions will ease.
• Women (43%) and residents of New South Wales (53%) are most likely to expect restrictions to become tighter; while men (35%) and Western Australia residents (16%) are less likely to expect this.

Q. Thinking about the future, how long do you think it will take for the following to occur?

• Expectations of the effect of the Covid-19 have lengthened in the past month, with more people now thinking the impacts will last for more than two years.
• 32% expect it will be over two years before quarantine following international travel is removed (up from 22% last month). Similarly more people now think it will be over two years before housing prices (25% to 38%), unrestricted international travel (24% to 38%) and unemployment (33% to 48%) return to pre-Covid levels.
• 26% do not think a population-wide resistance to the disease will ever be achieved.

Q. To what extent are you concerned about the threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus) in Australia?

• Concern about Covid-19 has increased from last month. In June 25% said they were very concerned about the threat of Covid-19 – this has increased to 36% this week.
• Concern is highest in Victoria (46% are very concerned) and NSW (42%), while lower in Queensland (25% and Western Australia (26%).

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

• Rating of the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis has declined from last month. 64% now rate the Governments response as good (Very good or quite good), down from 71% in June.
• Victoria has the lowest rating (60% rated very/quite good, down from 70% in June). 

Q. To what extent are you concerned about the threat of Covid-19 (coronavirus) in Australia?