Prime Minister’s strongest performance on saving lives and saving business

The National Cabinet met today to take further action to slow the spread of Coronavirus to save lives, and to save livelihoods.

Treasury Secretary Dr Steven Kennedy says that even with economic support packages from the Commonwealth and states and territories, it is expected there will still be significant impacts on unemployment and economic activity.

The Prime Minister said that any further measures to restrict activity may need to be flexible and calibrated to the impact on the well-being of Australians and economic activity.

“Our goal is to start businesses and the economy again after this health crisis has ended,” the Prime Minister said.

Returning Travellers

National Cabinet noted that the vast majority (around 85%) of cases in Australia remain overseas acquired or locally acquired contacts of a confirmed case.

National Cabinet has agreed to take action to further restrict the movement of incoming travellers and to increase compliance checks on travellers who are already undertaking their mandatory self-isolation period at home.

“This is about reducing the spread of the virus in Australia and saving lives,” Mr Morrison said.

As of midnight on Saturday all travellers arriving in Australia will be required to undertake their mandatory 14 day self-isolation at designated facilities (for example, a hotel).

These requirements will be implemented under state and territory legislation and will be enforced by state and territory governments, with the support of the Australian Defence Force (ADF) and the Australian Border Force (ABF) where necessary.