Slow pace of vaccinations drives Australia lockdowns

Significance

The rapid spread of the Delta variant has exposed serious shortcomings in Australia’s containment strategy, which has been forced to rely on economically disruptive lockdowns because of the slow pace of vaccinations.

Impacts

• The economy is expected to contract by 0.7% in the current quarter if lockdowns are prolonged.
• Confused pandemic policies have eroded trust in government, with a federal election due within nine months.
• Public support for vaccination is climbing but still lags in the 18-29 age group.