Australians are backing the COVID-19 vaccine to reopen the economy, with travel bubbles and home quarantine supported for returning travellers as vaccination rates increase, a nationwide CCIWA survey has found.
The survey, commissioned by CCIWA and carried out by CoreData, revealed the views of 3880 respondents across a broad demographic on vaccination, migration and border restrictions.
It found that residents in every state and territory, regardless of gender and income, want to move past COVID restrictions and reopen the economy.
The survey showed strong support (57.3 per cent) for travel bubbles with other nations once at least 70 per cent of the population is vaccinated, with just 16.6 per cent of respondents opposed.
Most respondents (53.4 per cent) supported vaccinated Australians being exempt from border restrictions, with 45.5 per cent of West Australians supporting that measure and 27.3 per cent opposed.
Close to half of Australians (46.8 per cent) believe once everyone eligible for 1A and 1B of the vaccination rollout has had the opportunity to be vaccinated, interstate border controls should be lifted.
In addition, 57.1 per cent of respondents saw overseas migration as an important source of economic growth, including 55.1 per cent of West Australians.
A majority (53.1 per cent) backed the need for a plan to reopen international migration flows.
And more Australians also expressed support for home quarantine for returning travellers as more of the population is vaccinated. Nearly half (49.3 per cent) support this, with the strongest support in WA (50.1 per cent) and Queensland (52.2 per cent). Fewer than 1 in 3 (30.9 per cent) are opposed, with opposition to the idea most likely from students, retirees and the unemployed.
The survey results come as Prime Minister Scott Morrison on Friday unveiled a four-phase plan to move Australia beyond COVID-19 restrictions, led by the vaccine rollout.
CCIWA CEO Chris Rodwell said the National Cabinet’s plan gave the clearest signal that Australians needed to roll up our sleeves if they want to get back to life and business as usual.
“Today’s results show a strong majority of Australians in every State and walk of life are ready to support that,” he said.
“Australians don’t want to be held back by those who are not prepared to be vaccinated.
“As the State leading the nation’s trade effort, it is particularly important for Western Australia that we can resume business with the rest of the world.”
See our media release for more detailed survey results.
CCIWA’s COVID-19 page contains up-to-date information for businesses.
For help and guidance on navigating COVID-19 restrictions, contact CCIWA’s Employee Relations Advice Centre on (08) 9365 7660 or [email protected].
