Only 19 per cent disagree with the idea of phasing out the curbs while another 27 per cent are neutral or undecided,highlighting the tension over whether to pursue strict health controls despite warnings over the economic and social cost.
The findings are part of an exclusive survey that reveals a fall in vaccine hesitancy at the same time as the recent surge in coronavirus case numbers,with 21 per cent saying they are unlikely to get a jab compared to 29 per cent two months ago.
But Australians are divided over the idea of giving vaccinated people more freedom from social restrictions while others are denied the benefits,a key issue when younger people are waiting for their age groups to be given priority in government rollouts of AstraZeneca or Pfizer.
The Resolve Political Monitor,conducted forThe Sydney Morning Herald andThe Age by research company Resolve Strategic,asked 1607 eligible voters their views about vaccinations and lockdowns over four days to July 17.
The online survey coincided with an extendedlockdown across Sydney and surrounding districts and a decision on July 15 to sendVictoria into a state-wide lockdown. The results have a margin of error of 2.5 per cent.
Asked if they supported the idea that vaccinated people should be allowed to travel across borders or go where others were restricted,28 per cent strongly supported it and 26 per cent supported it,while another 26 per cent were undecided.