Andrews' roadmap too strict: AFR readers

Two-thirds of readers surveyed by The Australian Financial Review say Victorian Premier Daniel Andrews' reopening plan is too strict.

Under Victoria's road map, Mr Andrews said business restrictions would not be eased on October 26 unless there is a statewide average of five new cases over the previous 14 days.

Of the 392 Financial Review readers surveyed, 69 per cent said the plan was too strict while 28 per cent said the measures were about right.

"The so-called management of COVID-19 by the Andrews government is, in my opinion, out of control," one reader said.

"I have lost confidence in the effectiveness of Victoria's contact and tracing system and believe the government's latest measures will do more harm than good."

Another reader described Victoria's road map as "unrealistically harsh" and while another said Mr Andrews' "road map to recovery is a highway to hell".

But some readers indicated support for Mr Andrews.

"The new government policy of bagging Daniel Andrews and Victoria at every opportunity is unhelpful and ultimately counterproductive," one reader said.

"Just let him get on with it – it is difficult enough as it is," another reader said.

One reader expressed concerns that tying restrictions to case numbers could discourage people from getting tested.

Four in five readers said they would be happy to be vaccinated if a COVID-19 vaccine was developed. Eight per cent said they would not and 12 per cent were unsure.

Meanwhile, nearly nine in 10 readers (87 per cent) said they thought the deteriorating relationship with China would affect Australia's prosperity – either somewhat (63 per cent) or to a great extent (24 per cent).

"Strongly believe we are on the wrong track with our relationship with China," according to one reader, while another reader said Australia needed to become more strategic about relations with China.

Foreign Minister Marise Payne has ruled out expelling Chinese journalists after the Financial Review's correspondent, Michael Smith, and the ABC's Bill Birtles were forced to flee China last week. Two-thirds of readers (67 per cent) thought Australia's response was appropriate while 21 per cent said it should be more forceful.

Readers were also asked about JobKeeper with two-thirds agreeing it should be reduced twice before the end of the year, when it will land at $1000 a fortnight, from the $1500 payments being received now.

Read past reader polls here.