Lockdowns should be an ‘absolute last resort’

Social Services Minister Anne Ruston says she would "hope" all state and territories will abide by the National Cabinet's plan to end lockdowns in the country. Prime Minister Scott Morrison announced on Friday Australia’s four-phase plan to end lockdowns. Phase four was described as a complete return to normal with no lockdowns or border closures, and quarantine only for unvaccinated travellers. “The good news I have for Australians who are subject to restrictions today is we have agreed a new deal for Australians on the pathway out of COVID-19,” Mr Morrison said. “A pathway from a pre-vaccination period which is focused on the suppression of the virus, on community transmission cases, to one that sees us manage COVID-19 as an infectious disease like any other in our community.” Ms Ruston told Sky News state leaders "need to be using lockdowns very, very sparingly, and only using them at an absolute last resort". "The pathway that was charted on Friday I think is a really important and positive move," she said. "It can give Australians confidence that there is an outcome. "We will be working towards that outcome and hopefully the territory and state premiers and chief ministers will abide by that and play by the rules of the plan that they agreed to on Friday."

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