Views towards state border closures
Q. Thinking about state border closures, which of the following is closer to your view?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be allowed to keep their borders to other states closed for as long as they think is necessary | 41% | 39% | 42% | 37% | 44% | 40% | 46% | 33% | 41% | 41% | ||
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the adult (16+) population is fully vaccinated | 37% | 39% | 35% | 45% | 36% | 31% | 33% | 42% | 36% | 39% | ||
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the total population (including children) is fully vaccinated | 23% | 22% | 23% | 18% | 20% | 29% | 21% | 24% | 23% | 20% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
- 41% of people think states with low or no Covid-19 cases should be allowed to keep their borders to other states closed for as long as they think is necessary.
- On the other hand, 37% think these states should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the adult (16+) population is fully vaccinated, and 23% think this should be required when 80% of the total population (including children) is fully vaccinated.
- Those aged 18-34 are more likely than older cohorts to think states with low or no Covid-19 cases should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the adult (16+) population is fully vaccinated (45%, compared to 36% of those aged 35-54 and 31% of those over 55).
- Those aged over 55 are the most likely to think this should only be required when 80% of the total population (including children) is fully vaccinated (29% to 20% of those aged 35-54 and 18% of those aged 18-34).
State | |||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be allowed to keep their borders to other states closed for as long as they think is necessary | 28% | 31% | 55% | 47% | 67% |
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the adult (16+) population is fully vaccinated | 46% | 39% | 30% | 36% | 17% |
States with low or no Covid-19 cases should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the total population (including children) is fully vaccinated | 25% | 30% | 15% | 17% | 16% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- Western Australians and Queenslanders are the most likely to think states with low or no Covid-19 cases should be allowed to keep their borders to other states closed for as long as they think is necessary (67% and 55% respectively).
- NSW residents are most likely to think these states should be required to reopen their borders to other states when 80% of the adult (16+) population is fully vaccinated (46%).
- Victorians are most likely to think opening state borders should be required when 80% of the total population (including children) is fully vaccinated (30%).
Comprehension and confidence in PM’s plan to ‘safely reopen’ Australia
Q. The Prime Minister Scott Morrison says he has a “safe plan to ensure that Australia can open up again with confidence”.
Thinking about this statement, which of the following applies to you?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
I understand the plan and have confidence in it | 26% | 34% | 19% | 30% | 27% | 23% | 18% | 40% | 23% | 19% | ||
I understand the plan but don’t have confidence in it | 39% | 38% | 40% | 38% | 38% | 40% | 49% | 30% | 40% | 43% | ||
I’m aware of the plan but don’t understand it | 15% | 14% | 17% | 15% | 13% | 17% | 12% | 17% | 19% | 14% | ||
I’m not aware of the plan | 20% | 14% | 25% | 16% | 22% | 20% | 21% | 13% | 19% | 24% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
State | |||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
I understand the plan and have confidence in it | 32% | 26% | 23% | 22% | 23% |
I understand the plan but don’t have confidence in it | 38% | 43% | 35% | 38% | 41% |
I’m aware of the plan but don’t understand it | 17% | 14% | 15% | 18% | 14% |
I’m not aware of the plan | 14% | 17% | 27% | 22% | 22% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- About 4 in 10 (39%) say they understand the PM’s plan to ‘safely reopen’ Australia but don’t have confidence in it. In comparison, about a quarter (26%) say they understand the plan and have confidence in it.
- 20% aren’t aware of this plan, and 15% are aware of it but don’t understand it.
- Men are almost twice as likely as women to say they understand the plan and have confidence in it (34% to 19% respectively). Whereas women are more likely than men to say they aren’t aware of the plan (25% to 14%).
- Besides men, those aged 18-34 (30%) and Coalition voters (40%) are more likely than others to say they understand and have confidence in the PM’s plan.
Uptake of a Covid-19 vaccine
Q. The Covid-19 vaccine rollout is underway in Australia.
Which of the following best describes your situation?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
I’ve already had the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine /
I’ve already had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine |
69% | 72% | 66% | 53% | 67% | 86% | 65% | 80% | 67% | 57% | ||
I’ve booked my vaccination and am waiting to get my first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine | 11% | 10% | 12% | 20% | 11% | 4% | 13% | 10% | 13% | 9% | ||
I will get vaccinated but haven’t booked my vaccination yet | 14% | 13% | 15% | 20% | 15% | 7% | 16% | 8% | 16% | 18% | ||
I’d never get vaccinated | 6% | 6% | 6% | 8% | 7% | 3% | 6% | 2% | 4% | 15% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
State | |||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
I’ve already had the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine /
I’ve already had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine |
75% | 66% | 72% | 59% | 63% |
I’ve booked my vaccination and am waiting to get my first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine | 12% | 15% | 6% | 10% | 10% |
I will get vaccinated but haven’t booked my vaccination yet | 9% | 14% | 14% | 26% | 19% |
I’d never get vaccinated | 5% | 6% | 8% | 4% | 8% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- 69% of people say they’ve had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine, while 11% say they’ve booked their Covid-19 vaccination and are waiting for their first dose.
- 14% say they will get vaccinated but haven’t booked an appointment yet.
- Those most likely to say they’ve had at least one dose of a Covid-19 vaccine include men (72%), those aged over 55 (86%), Coalition voters (80%), those in NSW (75%) and Queenslanders (72%).
- 20% of people aged 18-34 have booked their vaccination and are waiting for their first dose. However, a further 20% say they haven’t booked their vaccination yet (20%).
- Only 6% of people now say they would never get vaccinated – the lowest number recorded this year.
Necessity of mandatory vaccinations in specific situations
Q. In your opinion, should being vaccinated against Covid-19 be mandatory in the following circumstances?:
Yes | No | Unsure | |
For health workers to work at hospitals, clinics, etc. | 83% | 12% | 5% |
For aged and disability care workers to work at care facilities | 82% | 14% | 5% |
For passengers to go on flights | 77% | 17% | 7% |
For teachers and teachers’ aides to work at schools | 74% | 19% | 7% |
For spectators to attend sports events | 69% | 22% | 9% |
For patrons to visit hospitality and entertainment venues | 68% | 22% | 10% |
For employees to work at their workplace | 62% | 24% | 14% |
For students to attend school | 58% | 26% | 16% |
For customers to shop at retail stores | 58% | 30% | 12% |
- A high majority of people think being vaccinated against Covid-19 should be mandatory for health workers (83%), aged and disability care workers (82%), flight passengers (77%), and teachers and teacher’s aides (74%) – at least three quarters of people think mandatory vaccinations are necessary in each case.
- Around two thirds think mandatory vaccinations are necessary for sports events spectators (69%), hospitality and entertainment venue patrons (68%), and employees going into workplaces (62%).
- Over half think being vaccinated against Covid-19 should be mandatory for students to attend school, and for retail store customers (58% respectively).
TOTAL: Yes | Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
For health workers to work at hospitals, clinics, etc. | 83% | 81% | 85% | 74% | 81% | 93% | 84% | 91% | 77% | 68% | ||
For aged and disability care workers to work at care facilities | 82% | 78% | 85% | 70% | 79% | 94% | 84% | 87% | 83% | 66% | ||
For passengers to go on flights | 77% | 73% | 80% | 63% | 74% | 90% | 81% | 81% | 76% | 62% | ||
For teachers and teachers’ aides to work at schools | 74% | 72% | 76% | 61% | 69% | 90% | 78% | 80% | 69% | 58% | ||
For spectators to attend sports events | 69% | 70% | 68% | 55% | 68% | 82% | 72% | 76% | 63% | 53% | ||
For patrons to visit hospitality and entertainment venues | 68% | 69% | 66% | 56% | 65% | 80% | 72% | 74% | 62% | 51% | ||
For employees to work at their workplace | 62% | 63% | 60% | 50% | 60% | 74% | 62% | 71% | 56% | 48% | ||
For students to attend school | 58% | 60% | 56% | 52% | 56% | 65% | 61% | 63% | 58% | 43% | ||
For customers to shop at retail stores | 58% | 59% | 56% | 48% | 57% | 66% | 57% | 67% | 53% | 43% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
- In each instance, those aged 18-34 and minor/independent party voters are the least likely to think being vaccinated against Covid-19 should be mandatory.
- While those over 55 are generally more likely to think mandatory vaccinations are necessary in each circumstance, their view is especially pronounced for health workers (93%), aged and disability care workers (94%), flight passengers (90%), and teachers and teachers’ aides (90%).
- Coalition voters are the most likely voters to think mandatory vaccinations are necessary for employees to work at their workplace (71% to 58% all other voters).
- There is no difference between those who have and don’t have dependent children in views towards whether mandatory vaccinations are necessary for students to attend school.
Views towards easing restrictions for fully vaccinated people
Q. Thinking about Covid-19 restrictions and vaccinations, which of the following is closer to your view?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
Restrictions should be relaxed for people who have been fully vaccinated effective immediately | 39% | 42% | 36% | 40% | 37% | 39% | 34% | 47% | 37% | 31% | ||
Restrictions should only be relaxed when everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated | 44% | 42% | 45% | 41% | 43% | 48% | 51% | 42% | 47% | 36% | ||
People who are vaccinated should not be treated any differently to unvaccinated people | 17% | 16% | 19% | 19% | 20% | 13% | 16% | 11% | 15% | 33% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
State | |||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
Restrictions should be relaxed for people who have been fully vaccinated effective immediately | 46% | 38% | 36% | 33% | 30% |
Restrictions should only be relaxed when everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated | 39% | 46% | 45% | 49% | 51% |
People who are vaccinated should not be treated any differently to unvaccinated people | 15% | 16% | 19% | 18% | 19% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- 44% of people think restrictions should only be relaxed when everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated. A further 39% think restrictions should be relaxed for people who have been fully vaccinated effective immediately. 17% think people who are vaccinated should not be treated any differently to unvaccinated people.
- Coalition voters (47%) and NSW residents (46%) are most likely to think restrictions should be relaxed for people who have been fully vaccinated effective immediately.
- Labor voters (51%) and Western Australians (51%) are most likely to think restrictions should only be relaxed when everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated.
I’ve already had the first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine /
I’ve already had both doses of a Covid-19 vaccine |
I’ve booked my vaccination and am waiting to get my first dose of a Covid-19 vaccine | I will get vaccinated but haven’t booked my vaccination yet | I’d never get vaccinated | |
Restrictions should be relaxed for people who have been fully vaccinated effective immediately | 47% | 25% | 19% | 11% |
Restrictions should only be relaxed when everyone has had the opportunity to get vaccinated | 45% | 66% | 38% | 3% |
People who are vaccinated should not be treated any differently to unvaccinated people | 8% | 9% | 43% | 87% |
Base (n) | 756 | 132 | 150 | 62 |
- Support for easing of restrictions for fully vaccinated people is highest among those who themselves have already received a Covid-19 vaccine (47%).
- The majority of those waiting to receive a vaccine think restrictions should be eased only once everyone has had the opportunity to be vaccinated (66%).
- 43% of those who say they’ll get vaccinated but haven’t booked their vaccination yet think people who are vaccinated should not be treated any differently to unvaccinated people. Only 9% of those who have booked their vaccination say this.
Decision maker for mandatory vaccinations for workers
Q. Some employers want to require their workers to be vaccinated against Covid-19. Which of the following is closer to your view?
Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | |||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
The federal government should coordinate uniform laws across the states | 45% | 46% | 43% | 32% | 41% | 59% | 42% | 53% | 29% | 41% | ||
Individual state health authorities should impose health mandates on their states | 25% | 23% | 26% | 34% | 24% | 17% | 29% | 22% | 28% | 22% | ||
Individual workplaces should be able to make decisions about their own workers | 31% | 30% | 31% | 34% | 34% | 25% | 29% | 25% | 43% | 38% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
State | |||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
The federal government should coordinate uniform laws across the states | 51% | 44% | 42% | 37% | 41% |
Individual state health authorities should impose health mandates on their states | 19% | 28% | 21% | 32% | 34% |
Individual workplaces should be able to make decisions about their own workers | 30% | 27% | 37% | 31% | 25% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- More people think the federal government should take the responsibility for mandatory vaccinations for workers by coordinating uniform laws across states (45%), than those who think this responsibility should be left to individual state governments (25%), or individual workplaces (31%).
- Those most likely to want the federal government to take responsibility for decisions on mandatory vaccinations for workers include those aged over 55 (59%), Coalition voters (53%) and people in NSW (51%).
Views towards impact of increasing Covid-19 cases on public health system
Q. How strongly do you agree or disagree with the following statements about your state’s public health system during the Covid-19 pandemic?
TOTAL: Agree | TOTAL: Disagree | Strongly agree | Somewhat agree | Neither disagree nor agree | Somewhat disagree | Strongly disagree | |
My state’s public health system is already struggling to cope and will be overwhelmed by any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 55% | 19% | 27% | 28% | 27% | 14% | 4% |
The federal government is planning to ease restrictions without paying enough attention to how the public health system will cope with increased Covid cases | 53% | 19% | 26% | 27% | 28% | 13% | 6% |
My state’s public health system can manage any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 40% | 29% | 13% | 27% | 31% | 17% | 12% |
People vaccinated against Covid-19 should be prioritised for medical attention over unvaccinated people | 39% | 34% | 18% | 21% | 28% | 14% | 20% |
- Over half of people believe that the public health system is already struggling to cope and will be overwhelmed by any surge in Covid hospitalisations (55%), and that the federal government is not paying enough attention to how the public health system will cope with increased Covid cases (53%).
TOTAL: Agree | Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
My state’s public health system is already struggling to cope and will be overwhelmed by any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 55% | 52% | 57% | 52% | 57% | 54% | 56% | 57% | 54% | 47% | ||
The federal government is planning to ease restrictions without paying enough attention to how the public health system will cope with increased Covid cases | 53% | 54% | 53% | 54% | 54% | 52% | 62% | 48% | 61% | 53% | ||
My state’s public health system can manage any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 40% | 46% | 34% | 48% | 40% | 33% | 37% | 51% | 33% | 33% | ||
People vaccinated against Covid-19 should be prioritised for medical attention over unvaccinated people | 39% | 44% | 33% | 42% | 39% | 35% | 35% | 48% | 40% | 33% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
- Coalition voters are most likely to believe that their state’s public health system can manage any surge in Covid hospitalisations (51%).
TOTAL: Agree | State | ||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
My state’s public health system is already struggling to cope and will be overwhelmed by any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 61% | 53% | 43% | 56% | 66% |
The federal government is planning to ease restrictions without paying enough attention to how the public health system will cope with increased Covid cases | 55% | 50% | 52% | 50% | 65% |
My state’s public health system can manage any surge in Covid hospitalisations | 42% | 44% | 39% | 23% | 37% |
People vaccinated against Covid-19 should be prioritised for medical attention over unvaccinated people | 40% | 42% | 38% | 31% | 39% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- However, South Australians are most concerned, with just 23% agreeing that any surges in Covid-19 hospitalisations can be managed by SA’s public health system.
Impact of Covid-19 pandemic on people’s health within the past year
Q. Thinking about your health in the past year, which of the following applies to you as a result of the Covid-19 pandemic?
Yes, applies to me | No, does not apply to me | |
I’ve visited my GP less regularly | 44% | 56% |
My overall mental wellbeing has declined | 40% | 60% |
I’ve avoided seeking medical attention for a health issue I would normally get looked at | 32% | 68% |
I’ve had medical check-ups/tests delayed or cancelled | 32% | 68% |
My overall physical health has declined | 31% | 69% |
I’ve had elective procedures delayed or cancelled | 22% | 78% |
- The Covid-19 pandemic and lockdown restrictions have had a knock-on effect on many people’s general health, with 44% visiting their GP less regularly and 32% avoiding seeking medical attention. 32% have also had check-ups or tests delayed or cancelled, and 22% have had electives procedures delayed or cancelled.
- 40% acknowledge a decline in their mental wellbeing and 31% in their physical health.
TOTAL: Yes, applies to me | Total | Gender | Age Group | Federal Voting Intention | ||||||||
Male | Female | 18-34 | 35-54 | 55+ | Labor | TOTAL: Coalition | Greens | TOTAL: Other | ||||
I’ve visited my GP less regularly | 44% | 41% | 46% | 52% | 48% | 33% | 45% | 44% | 55% | 41% | ||
My overall mental wellbeing has declined | 40% | 38% | 41% | 53% | 47% | 22% | 41% | 36% | 56% | 40% | ||
I’ve avoided seeking medical attention for a health issue I would normally get looked at | 32% | 31% | 33% | 42% | 38% | 18% | 34% | 32% | 46% | 25% | ||
I’ve had medical check-ups/tests delayed or cancelled | 32% | 33% | 32% | 42% | 35% | 20% | 28% | 34% | 50% | 36% | ||
My overall physical health has declined | 31% | 32% | 29% | 37% | 36% | 20% | 31% | 29% | 42% | 32% | ||
I’ve had elective procedures delayed or cancelled | 22% | 25% | 20% | 34% | 23% | 11% | 18% | 25% | 29% | 21% | ||
Base (n) | 1,100 | 539 | 561 | 341 | 374 | 385 | 367 | 389 | 103 | 145 | ||
TOTAL: Yes, applies to me | State | ||||
NSW | VIC | QLD | SA | WA | |
I’ve visited my GP less regularly | 52% | 51% | 37% | 34% | 24% |
My overall mental wellbeing has declined | 43% | 45% | 35% | 39% | 30% |
I’ve avoided seeking medical attention for a health issue I would normally get looked at | 35% | 35% | 30% | 27% | 24% |
I’ve had medical check-ups/tests delayed or cancelled | 40% | 32% | 29% | 23% | 21% |
My overall physical health has declined | 35% | 32% | 33% | 22% | 19% |
I’ve had elective procedures delayed or cancelled | 25% | 24% | 21% | 14% | 19% |
Base (n) | 352 | 274 | 217 | 89 | 111 |
- Younger people are more likely than older people to have experienced the effects of the Covid-19 pandemic on their health. Those aged 18-34 are more likely than those over 55 to have had delays or cancellations to medical appointments (42% to 20% for check-ups/tests, 34% to 11% for elective procedures).
- Younger people are most likely to have noticed a decline in both their mental wellbeing and physical health (53% and 37% respectively).
- People living in NSW and Victorians are more likely than those in other states to say their mental wellbeing has declined (43% and 45%).

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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