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

• Participants’ rating of the Federal Government’s handling of Covid-19 crisis slips for the fourth consecutive week. From a high of 73% positive rating in May, 59% now say the Government’s handling has been good.

Q. How would you rate your state government’s response to the Covid-19 outbreak?

• Positive rating of the NSW Government’s continues to slide, with another -2%pts movement this week to 57%. This is down from a high of 70% in June.
• Positive rating of the Victorian Government remains steady at 50%, though the majority of this survey was completed before the announcement of the lock-down extension in Victoria on Sunday 6^th
• Positive rating of the Queensland state government’s handing dropped to 66% this week from 73% a fortnight ago.

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?

• A general expectation of an easing of restrictions in the next two months suggests Australians feel the worst effects of the Covid-19 pandemic have passed. Just 15% think tighter restrictions will be required in the next two months and 42% expect an easing of restrictions.
• The expectation of easing restrictions is highest in Victoria (60%), as this state currently has the strictest requirements. The majority of this survey was completed before the announcement of the lock-down extension in Victoria on Sunday 6^th

Q. In your opinion, who is most responsible for the recent Covid-19 outbreaks and spread of the virus within aged care facilities?

• Responsibility for the outbreaks in aged care is shared between Federal and state governments, an aged care providers. Consistent with results a fortnight ago, 42% say the providers hold the most responsibility (42% in last poll), 31% identify the Federal government (no change from 28%) and 28% the state governments (from 30%).
• Women, people aged over 55 and Coalition voters are most likely to hold aged care providers responsible, while Labor voters are more likely to say the Federal government has the most responsibility (42%).

Q. To what extent do you agree or disagree with the following statements about the recent Covid-19 outbreaks and spread of the virus within aged care facilities?

• Perceptions of the causes of the spread of Covid-19 within aged care facilities are consistent with previous results. A majority of people believe that there was insufficient preparation from authorities (77% agreement) and that long-term underfunding of aged care facilities has worsened the impact (72%)
• Similar numbers also agree that the hygiene and care standards in private care homes has contributed to the spread of (69%) and that community transmission from friends and families of residents has also contributed to the spread (67%).

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

• Concern about Covid-19 has eased this week with 37% very concerned about the threat (down from 50% in early August).

Q. How well do you think your State or Territory government and the Federal government are working together on issues to address the Covid-19 pandemic?

• People believe that more could be done between the Federal and State governments to address the Covid-19 pandemic. Less than a fifth of people (17%) think the Federal government and their state government are working together very well. While 46% say they are working together quite well, 30% rate the working relationship as poor.
• The Federal and Victorian governments are seen to have the worst relationship, with 57% of Victorians saying the Federal government is working well with their state government, but just 8% believe they are working very well together.

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

• Participants’ rating of the Federal Government’s handling of the crisis slips again this week, with 61% rating their response as very or quite good. This is progressively down from 72% positive rating in June.
• Men are more likely than women to rate the Government’s performance as very poor or quite poor (21% to 13%).
• Rating of the Government among Labor supporters has fallen from 69% rating their handling very or quite good in May to 55% this week. Positive rating among Coalition supporters remains high at 77%